POULSBO — The number of women seeking to escape domestic violence in Kitsap County exceeds the number of places for them to escape to.

That’s why the local Rotary Club and YWCA of Kitsap are building Morrow Manor in Poulsbo, nestled around a park in a forested setting, where women and children can live while they rebuild their lives.

It was at the Y that Pamela Belleson found the support she needed to escape an abusive relationship. She received counseling and learned that she deserved to be treated with respect, learned that it was possible to live a life without fear.

She’s passing on the love.

Belleson, an artist and owner of Wide Mouth Frog (and a very happily married mom), is a driving force behind Girls Night Out, the annual shopping party in downtown Poulsbo. Beginning this year, a percentage of proceeds from the annual event will go to Morrow Manor.

She wants shoppers to have a good time. But she also hopes that someone in need of help will be reached. She assumes that if a certain percentage of women — and men — are subjected to abuse, then that number should translate to a certain number of people who will be on downtown streets during Girls Night Out.

And she wants them to know: Help is available. Just ask. You can be free.

“With a little bit of help, we can set them on the right path,” Belleson said. “We want to empower women and their children to live safer lives.”

Girls Night Out is 5-8 p.m. May 6. The night features appetizers and refreshments, drawings, fashion shows, giveaways, live music, sales (10-50-percent off) and an after-party at Slippery Pig.

Here’s how the event will raise money for Morrow Manor: Girls Night Out will ask for a $5 donation for each swag bag it gives away; those bags contain gifts from downtown merchants and more than 500 were given away last year. Approximately 10 stores have committed 10 percent of proceeds to Morrow Manor. Longworth Studio has pledged all proceeds from its nail accent station.

Liberty Bay Auto will make a donation based on the night’s proceeds, Belleson said.

Girls Night Out is a good opportunity to see what’s new. Downtown’s newest store, Tickled Pink, which moved into the former Saisons Boutique location, will have live music and refreshments (buy one scarf, get one free). Liberty Bay Gallery will have live music too. There will be fashion shows at Flicka and at Closet Transfer; Beachside Boutique will present a jewelry trunk show. All told, approximately 40 shops will participate.

Belleson hopes the event will bring people downtown for a night of fun — and will raise awareness of domestic violence and its solutions.

“It’s a fun way we can all give back,” she said.