Mount Clemens, Mich. – May 20, 2025 – In a 45^th anniversary year that has seen new partners, supporters and increased community awareness, Turning Point President and CEO, Sharman Davenport, Ph.D., is pleased to welcome a different type of supporter to engage with the agency’s mission to empower survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking through comprehensive services and resources. On June 12, the nonprofit will launch its new relationship with Richard Demato, philanthropist and owner of RJD Gallery in Romeo, Michigan, through a combined art auction and in-person event.
 
“Our fundraising efforts in 2025 have expanded to include new individual, community and corporate partnerships to support our mission,” Davenport said. “It’s essential for us to forge creative and long-term partnerships in philanthropy and we are grateful to Richard Demato for his interest in engaging with us. With so many vital program offerings, new levels of giving and awareness are critical to providing whole person survivor services. Fundraising through Richard’s RJD Gallery brings the power of art to our efforts and will open doors to other audiences interested in supporting us.”
 
Originally a gallery owner in the Hamptons in New York following a successful career in the textile industry, Demato moved to Michigan in 2020 because his wife, nationally acclaimed  fine artist and Macomb County native Andrea Kowch, and he decided to be closer to their family and their son’s grandparents.  The 2008 College for Creative Studies grad and former adjunct faculty member had been dividing her time between New York and Michigan for several years, but never lost her Midwest roots, which are reflected in her art – notably strong, independent women in rural settings – a genre known as contemporary magical realism. Kowch’s ‘Steadfast’ serves as the inspirational artwork for the event, celebrating the healing power of art.
 
On learning about Turning Point, Demato was immediately drawn to the organization, having served for nearly 16 years on the board of The Retreat, a nonprofit in East Hampton, New York, that provides shelter and support services to survivors of domestic violence.  
 
“I’ve always been drawn to art and the powerful way it evokes emotions and tells stories, and I saw it as a passionate and powerful tool for helping others,” Demato remarked. “In 2010, we opened the RJD Gallery as a platform to raise awareness and funding for vital causes that touched us. Selling art through the gallery allows us to channel our passion into tangible change for Turning Point.”
 
An online art auction of three of Kowch’s hand-signed, limited edition framed prints, including Steadfast, is currently underway here. All proceeds from the auctioned art will go to Turning Point. 10% of the proceeds from the art sold at the gallery on June 12 will also go to Turning Point. In addition to celebrating art’s powerful ability to heal and connect people, the event includes live music, an open bar with wine, spirits and beverages, and a survivor speaker sharing her healing journey.
 
The RJD Gallery event to benefit Turning Point will be held on Thursday, June 12 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at 227 N. Main Street, Romeo. Tickets are complimentary but online registration here is required by June 10.  
 
About Turning Point 
Marking 45 years in 2025, Turning Point provides free, confidential, inclusive, and accessible services to honor the unique needs, identities, and experiences of survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking. Services include a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, housing, counseling, legal advocacy, personal protection order support, forensic nurse and first response advocacy, prevention, and community education. In addition to these programs, Turning Point operates Second Hand Rose, a resale store that offers gently used merchandise to the community to support survivors and the agency’s mission. On average, Turning Point provides services to over 27,000 survivors and community members annually. Visit www.turningpointmacomb.org for more information.
 
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