Bourbon, Beer and Bluegrass

For Mary with Barry

By: Josh Miller

Published On: August 31, 2010

Bourbon, Beer and Bluegrass for Mary with Barry brought together a diverse group ranging from financial advisors, judges, college students from Yale and Bellarmine University, and MBP supporters. A fine selection of bourbon and ale was provided by the Wine Rack as well as tapas created by Jan Weber of St. Matthews. Host Barry Roth greeted guests and reminded everyone of why we were there.

“The issue of violence against women is far too common,” Roth said.

Marcia Roth, Barry’s aunt and executive director of the Mary Byron Project, was grateful Barry offered to hold the fundraiser.

Marcia Roth, who helped start the Mary Byron Project in 2000, said she believes that “Domestic violence affects all of us, because we all know someone that has been a victim.” The MBP was established in memory of a woman killed by her ex-boyfriend after his release from jail. At that time, automated crime victim notification technologies did not exist.

“Once known as The Mary Byron Foundation, the name was changed in order to make a point: A foundation can last forever, but a project is meant to be completed,” Marcia says. This statement mirrors the hope of many involved in this field: that one day groups like MBP won’t be necessary, because future generations will have been educated and domestic violence will have been erased.

Emily Suran, a student at Yale and summer intern for the MBP, used Facebook, Twitter and a blog to raise awareness and educate people about domestic violence. “This summer has been revelatory for me,” she said. “I have learned so much from Marcia and the amazing people in the community … Louisville is such an accessible city in that every single person, regardless of status, is willing to take the time to talk with you. Coming from New York, I can affirm that this is not typical.”