Maui businesses are joining Women Helping Women (WHW) in its vital campaign to reduce domestic violence and help women and children dealing with this tragic problem.

WHW will launch its new Diva Club Discount program on Saturday, Dec. 19, at 5 p.m. at David Paul’s Island Grill at 900 Front St. in Lahaina.

Saturday’s party represents the first of a series of charity events involving local boutiques and retailers, salons, nightclubs and the restaurant owned by Executive Chef David Paul Johnson.

Women Helping Women Executive Director Stacey Moniz said, “We are so grateful that business people like David Paul are stepping up to help us financially and doing this so creatively.

“We love the fact that this program spreads fun and is a great networking opportunity. Through helping us, women can come together to help one another and the restaurant benefits as well. It’s a winning combination.”

All are welcome to attend the launch party, and women can join the Diva Club by completing the invitation form and making a donation of $15 ($10 will go to WHW).

Membership will entitle card holders to enjoy a special party each month at David Paul’s Island Grill featuring entertainment, elegant appetizers and flutes of champagne or other cocktails priced at $5. Members will also receive a $25 gift certificate that can be applied to meals at the restaurant and be eligible for discounts from what will become a growing number of island businesses.

Memberships can be purchased from Women Helping Women representatives at the restaurant on Dec. 19 and any time during this ongoing program.

Women Helping Women operates a hotline and shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children, advocates for women seeking restraining orders, and works with youth and children and the entire community to end violence against women. The group also runs Women Helping Women-West Maui and a full-time program on Lanai.

For information, call Women Helping Women at 242-6600 or visit www.whwmaui.net. To reach David Paul’s Island Grill, call 662-3000.

This new program makes it easy to support Women Helping Women and its efforts to battle domestic violence in the community. Many victims have nowhere else to turn.