'Dance' judge supports domestic violence victim

TAMPA - Most people know Mary Murphy as the VERY outgoing judge on the show, "So You Think You Can Dance." But she has a darker side to her past that helped draw her attention to the story of Audrey Mabrey, a Bay Area woman whose life was turned upside down one afternoon in a domestic violence incident.

Murphy will be at a fundraising event for Audrey Mabrey Thursday night.

Back in November, Mabrey's estranged husband attacked her, doused her with gasoline and set her fire, investigators said.

She is now out of the hospital and doing better, but the mother of two has no insurance. So Her friends are holding a fundraiser for her Thursday, March 11th.

It was organized by Julie Weintraub, who lives in the Bay Area and is good friends with Mary Murphy. Weintraub asked Murphy if she could provide an item for the event’s silent auction.

However, Murphy says Mabrey’s story had such an effect on her that she decided to make a personal appearance.

“When I got on the internet and read her entire story my heart just sank,” said Murphy. “I said, Julie, if I can come I certainly will.”

Murphy says her goal is to bring attention to Mabrey’s story. In a recent interview with US Weekly, the reality show star admitted that she was a victim of domestic violence during a previous marriage.

“It didn’t stop me, it didn’t stop my spirit either,” Murphy said. “It actually just made me stronger, more motivated in life and I just really wanted to let women know that this does not have to be the end all. Get help – there are shelters out there to help you now.”

Mabrey is a fan of Mary Murphy, and when Murphy heard her story, she knew she had to come.

"This young girl is going to need so much more help. She's going to need a lot of operations. She basically has nothing."

Murphy said she's hoping people will offer whatever help they can.

"I hope people have a good time. I hope they celebrate her life. I will do whatever I can to get money out of their pockets," Murphy said. "For this young woman. and for those out there who can't make it, if they just give, if everyone just gives $1 it's going to make such a difference in a person's life. Just $1"

Murphy, who is a survivor of domestic violence herself, said she is inspired by Audrey and her courage.

"She will never have the kind of life she was supposed to have. She will have a different life and she'll have a very good life. She's alive, and she's with her two children that she adores," Murphy said.

The fundraiser is at the Courtside Grill from 7pm-10pm. The address is 110 Fountain Parkway N., St. Petersburg.

There wll be free giveaways, and celebrity bartenders will be pouring drinks.

It is hosted by Hands Across the Bay.

If you are unable to attend but would like to support Mabrey, you can contact Melissa Johnson at melissa@handsacrossthebay.com or you can mail a donation to: Hands Across the Bay, Attn: Melissa Johnson 3800 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater, FL 33762.

Also, follow this link for more information on Audrey Mabrey's story: supportaudrey.com