(SAVANNAH, GA) SAFE Shelter Center for Domestic Violence Services is inviting the community to participate in a virtual party featuring the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra. Set to premiere Thursday, October 8th at 7pm the organizers hope to raise funds needed to serve the growing number of victims of domestic violence in the Chatham County area due to the COVID pandemic.
The organization is currently facing a 15 percent reduction of funding from across-the-board cuts in state aid, coupled with the cancellation of its traditional fundraising event. “While funding has dropped since March, domestic violence calls have risen nearly 20 percent due to the COVID-19 virus,” said Cheryl Branch, executive director. “For victims of domestic violence, quarantine means there’s nowhere to go.”
Since 1979, SAFE Shelter has offered lifesaving and life-changing services and programs to victims of domestic violence and their children free of charge. Last year the organization helped more than 1,300 victims, providing 74,000 meals and 17,400 bed nights. The organization estimates the average mom will spend 36 days in the shelter, and with two children per mom, the cost to feed and shelter those three victims is at least $4,000 during that stay. With special circumstances or transitional housing, Branch says the cost would go much higher.
Since SAFE Shelter’s annual giving gala had to be canceled due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the organization reached out to the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra for a different kind of virtual fundraiser. “This exciting band has a great following, they are exciting to watch and they play great music that all can enjoy,” said SPD MAJ Rob Gavin, president of Safe Shelter’s Board of Directors. For those planning a watch party for the event, SAFE Shelter is also coordinating a special gourmet dinner package delivery through Cohen’s Retreat on Skidaway Road with a portion of the proceeds to be donated to SAFE Shelter.
The band is additionally offering its ticketing system to collect funds and donations towards this event. As SAFE Shelter is an independent, unaffiliated 501©3 organization, all donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by the law.
For more information, tickets and sponsorship details, visit https://events.ticketprinting.com/event/Safe-Shelter-Center-For-Domestic-Violence-44635
MORE INFORMATION ON SAFE SHELTER Founded in 1979, SAFE Shelter Center for Domestic Violence Services is a 501©3 nonprofit organization committed to preventing domestic violence, protecting victims and promoting positive change for families in need in our community. SAFE Shelter operates a 48-bed emergency shelter for victims of intimate partner violence and their children. All services are provided at no cost to the victim regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, immigration status, culture or religion. Leading to safe and stable lives, services include courtroom advocacy, counseling services and case management. In the shelter’s long history, no one who has been actively involved with our services or programs has been killed by his/her abuser. For more information on SAFE Shelter, visit safeshelter.org or call 912.629.0026. To reach the 24-hour crisis line, call 912.629.8888.
CONTACT Cheryl Branch Executive Director SAFE Shelter 912-629-0026 director@safeshelter.org
MEDIA CONTACT Marjorie Young CEO and President Carriage Trade PR 912-844-9990 marjorie@carriagetradepr.com