A place for women to take wing

Her words echo those of so many other graduates of Interval House, telling of the horror of domestic violence and a newfound peace. “My husband brought me to this country from China and I became totally isolated,” suffering “emotional, physical and sexual abuse,” said Pauline, who declined to give her full name in order to protect herself. “Interval House literally saved my life, gave me hope and the opportunity to continue. Now, I’m so happy, I go to the shelter to help other women.”

Celebrating 25 years of providing emergency shelter in Los Angeles and Orange counties, Interval House staged its annual Le Bal des Papillons (Ball of the Butterflies) over Thanksgiving weekend, drawing hundreds of supporters and a smattering of celebs, including its Man of the Year, actor Edward James Olmos.

Wearing a black gown and shocking-red feather boa, Jo Anne Worley welcomed guests to the private reception -- “Hey! Connie Stevens just walked into the room!” -- preceding the black-tie gala Nov. 29 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Dana Point. “This is such an incredibly worthy cause and, being a tall and loud person, here I can put it to good use,” she said, a moth swooping near her head as the elegant throng filed into the room. “Uh-oh, somebody took out an old coat,” she quipped, rolling her eyes.

A longtime advocate for victims of domestic abuse, Olmos said it was a “high honor” to be recognized by an organization that has received three Presidential Awards, two Governor’s Awards and a U.S. Department of Justice Award. “The need for a facility such as Interval House is the sad part,” said Olmos, who helped produce the documentary “It Ain’t Love,” which aims to educate teens about domestic violence prevention. “Abuse doesn’t start when we become husbands. It begins when boys are 12, 13 ... and on up to college,” he said.

Beverly Garland has attended the event so many years, she’s lost count. “I love seeing these wonderful women who have gotten their lives back, who came to Interval House with bloody noses, black eyes and broken ribs, who were taken care of and now give back to the shelter,” she said, closing her eyes. “When I talk about it, I get all choked up.”

Jerry Mathers supports the organization because “when you’re a woman with no place to go, life isn’t like ‘Leave it to Beaver,’ ” he said. “It’s important to get the word out about facilities like Interval House. These people work so hard.”

Calls to shelters increase during the holidays, noted executive director Carol Williams. “I think women try to hold on until after Christmas, stay together for the kids,” she said. “Many, sadly, enter the shelter right after Christmas.”