A party at Maggiano’s in Bellevue will kick off this year’s Cycle the WAVE (Women Against Violence Everywhere) benefit to aid local homeless shelters and to take a stand against abuse.

The event, from 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday, July 15, will include wine and appetizers, a fashion show, silent auction, and more. It is hosted by the Rising Star Guild and Lakemont Ladies’ Cycling Club.

Maggiano’s is located at Lincoln Square in downtown Bellevue.

This year’s all-women’s cycling event is set for September 19. It is expected to attract 1,200 riders. Proceeds benefit Eastside Domestic Violence Program (EDVP) a nonprofit serving families, women and children who have experienced domestic violence. Since 1982, EDVP has served more than 104,800 victims of domestic violence.

RSVP for the Kick-Off Party can be made at www.cyclethewave.com.

Cycle the WAVE was created by women passionate about health, fitness and cycling and the desire to make a real difference in their community.

“Domestic violence is often thought of as a problem that doesn’t affect those we love the most, but the work that EDVP is doing right here in our community shows that abuse can touch anyone, anywhere,” said ride director, Sharon Anderson. “We’ve organized this event in an effort to bring women in our community together and to convey that we won’t stand for violence, not here or anywhere.”

On September 19th riders will cycle through Bellevue, Issaquah, South King County, Maple Valley, Renton and Newcastle. The ride route weaves intentionally through Bellevue and Issaquah as a reminder that in 2009 EDVP served more than 2,000 women and children in these two cities alone.

“For every one person sheltered, EDVP is forced to turn 18 away,” says Barbara Langdon, EDVP’s Executive Director. “EDVP is blessed to have these groups of women rallying the community to say no to abuse.”

Riders can choose between the 25 mile Girly Girl route, the 40 mile Middle Sister route or the challenging metric-century 62 mile Burly Girl route. Registration for the ride opens at 6:30 a.m. on September 19. Burley Girls depart at 7 a.m. followed by Middle Sisters at 8 and

Girly Girls at 9. A rider reception will follow the event from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cyclists start and end at Tibbetts Valley Park in Issaquah.

More information is available at www.cyclethewave.com