CULLMAN, Ala. – Cajun cuisine, dueling pianos, auctions and the atmosphere of New Orleans will come together Thursday, Sept. 17, during The Willow Path’s next major fundraiser.
“Passport Series: A Night in the French Quarter” will be held from 6-10 p.m. at Cotton Creek Venue, 417 Third Ave. SW, in Cullman.
The evening will benefit The Willow Path’s work with survivors of domestic violence and their children throughout Cullman County.
The organization’s promotional materials list authentic Cajun cuisine, high-energy dueling pianos, a bourbon tasting and live and silent auctions among the evening’s planned attractions. The Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce describes the fundraiser as an immersive experience inspired by the culture, energy and character of New Orleans. Additional features are expected to include signature cocktails, interactive experiences and other French Quarter-themed elements.
Individual tickets cost $70. Tickets will be sold through 10:59 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10. Availability is limited and the number of remaining tickets is expected to change as reservations are made.
Proceeds will help fund emergency shelter, counseling, legal and court advocacy, family services, prevention education and other forms of assistance for survivors working toward safer and more stable futures.
The Willow Path operates emergency and transitional shelter programs for survivors and their children. Its services also include confidential counseling, safety planning, support groups, court accompaniment, assistance with protection orders, child and family advocacy and connections to community resources.
Shelter advocates are available 24 hours a day.
The organization was established in 1991 as Victim Services of Cullman and adopted The Willow Path name in September 2025. The willow tree in its branding represents resilience, renewal and the ability to endure difficult circumstances, while the path represents a survivor’s continued movement toward safety and healing.
This year marks the nonprofit’s 35th year of serving Cullman County.
The organization recently reported a 68.5% increase in emergency shelter stays and a 48.8% increase in the number of people served during the past year. It also reported increases in successful program completions and clients reaching stable housing.
“Domestic violence is not just a private issue, it is a community issue,” Executive Director Jessica Atchley said.
The September fundraiser follows the organization’s record-setting 2025 Masquerade Ball. Approximately 300 people attended that event, which raised an estimated $50,000 through ticket sales, sponsorships, auctions and other activities.
The new name, The Willow Path, was also publicly announced during that fundraiser.
Atchley said following the 2025 event that community support is essential to the organization’s ability to stand beside survivors.
“None of this would be possible without our community standing with survivors,” Atchley said.
Tickets for “A Night in the French Quarter” may be purchased at https://donorbox.org/events/954963/steps/choose_tickets.
For information about the organization or its services, call 256-775-2600. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Anyone experiencing domestic violence or seeking immediate assistance may call The Willow Path’s 24-hour crisis line at 256-734-6100.
