Jewel addresses the crowd at the Mary Kay "A Kiss for Country" campaign against domestic violence kick-off. Photo: Frederick Breedon, courtesy of the CMA.
Nov. 13, 2008 — Jewel launched the second annual A Kiss For Country online auction this week with lip prints from some 60 country stars raising money to fight domestic violence against women.
George Strait, Julianne Hough, Taylor Swift, LeAnn Rimes and Luke Bryan are among the stars who puckered up for the cause. One hundred percent of the proceeds is slated to raise awareness of the issue, which is often complex for the women and families who get caught in its web.
"A lot of people don't realize that leaving an abusive relationship isn't that easy," Jewel told Dial-Global. "First of all, if you do find the strength to break the mental cycle of abuse, you can’t always afford it, especially if you have a kid. You know, you feel trapped to stay in this relationship, to have a roof over your head. So Mary Kay's doing an amazing job helping getting money to women's shelters, helping women change their names. Unfortunately, the mortality rate skyrockets when a woman finally decides to leave an abusive relationship. So it's very dangerous. They have to basically enter a witness protection program. So Mary Kay giving money to these women's shelters is such a worthwhile cause."
Kisses from Reba McEntire, Rodney Atkins, Martina McBride, Ronnie Milsap, Kellie Pickler and Terri Clark had all received bids of $50 or more as of Wednesday. The autographed prints are being auctioned through Dec. 12 at ubid.com.
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