Runway to Freedom is a charitable organization founded in 2010 by Lauren Grinnell, stylist and owner of Lala’s Cuts. RTF promotes an annual fashion show and live auction to help build awareness about domestic violence (DV) and provide support to survivors and their families. Lauren also volunteers her time at local shelters, as well as youth groups, to cut hair and speak with their communities about DV. Lauren is a survivor of Domestic Violence and after she endured a long battle with DV, she decided to create Runway to Freedom for other survivors.

For Lauren, the next best thing to having her daughter, Brooklyn, has been creating RTF. Once she learned that DV was not only a level of physical abuse, but also mental abuse, Lauren began to recognize the prolific impact of DV. Being an artist, she wanted to give back through her artistic skills of styling hair, and her love for music as well as fashion all in one. Seattle has been a wonderful place to achieve these goals as it thrives on the vibes of the artists and their creativity. Runway to Freedom has brought so many creative minds together to raise awareness for domestic violence in a raw as well as eccentric way of expression through the runway and the stage to sing and dance while we live and love. Survivors tell their stories at the event and Lauren Grinnell believes this is a huge part of the healing process of enduring abuse. Once you set your story free you let go of a piece of negativity and you inspire others to do the same.

Now in her 10th year, Lauren has been committed to empowering survivors of domestic violence by funding local organizations to provide individuals and families with education and resources needed to get out of dangerous situations, and to start living healthy lives. She is still committed to that, but is adding to it and focusing on more of her long term goals. She is also passionate about education on addiction and domestic violence and how often the two go hand in hand. Her long term goal for Runway To Freedom is to raise enough funds to create a safe space where we educate survivors on domestic violence, as well as provide access to resources including: legal advocates, DV advocates, shelter information, etc. It can be extremely empowering to know you’re NOT alone, so an environment created by and for survivors and supporters of domestic violence, all working together with the goal to end domestic violence just makes sense.

With RTF, Lauren Grinnell is helping domestic violence victims become survivors! Please also consider becoming a volunteer or sponsor for our next event. When you sponsor an event, you are helping save lives. Money raised goes toward monthly events we host around Seattle, and of course for the safe space we want to open. We would love for you to join us. Let’s say no to violent behavior together!

Runway to Freedom Founder, Lauren Grinnell.