Bill Robinson
The fundraising campaign the Hope’s Wings shelter for victims of domestic violence began in October has raised about $30,000, so far.
That is far short of the $100,000 goal, but enough to meet Hope’s Wings’ immediate needs and get the center through the holidays, according to Robyn Moreland, its executive director.
The 16-bed center, which is almost always full, needs $20,000 a month to operate, Moreland said. About 145 different individuals have stayed at the shelter since it opened in late February. The average stay is about 18 days and often includes a mother and her children.
Hope’s Wings will not close the books on its current drive until Dec. 15, because two groups still have fundraising events scheduled for December, Moreland said.
The Spotlight Action School will stage a holiday variety show of music, dancing and drama on Dec. 12 at Richmond's First Christian Church, according to Cathy Bettler, its director.
The amount of money raised locally this fall will help bolster the shelter’s pending grant applications by demonstrating the strength of its local support, she said.
Even if all of the grants are funded, however, Hope’s Wings will remain in permanent fundraising mode, Moreland said.
“We need donors who can give like they did for this campaign every year, not just one time,” she said.
Moreland suggested that instead of exchanging Christmas gifts, offices, Sunday school classes and other groups make a donation to Hope’s Wings.
“That's would be a wonderful way to wish a troubled family a Merry Christmas,” she said.
The shelter also is hoping local churches will take up love offerings for Hope’s Wings.
“You'd be surprised how far we can make money go,” Moreland said.
Most people also would be surprised to learn of all the financial needs that shelter residents have, she said.
“It’s a lot more than just the expense of food, utilities and security at the shelter,” Moreland said. “Last week we spent $40 to replace a window in a woman’s car so she could drive to work each day.”
Cold, rainy weather forced an Oct. 21 awareness event scheduled for Irvine-McDowell Park indoors to the Richmond Area Arts Center, but it still was a success, according to Moreland.
“We had a lot of people show up to learn about Hope's Wings,” she said, “and we raised about $700 in donations.”
For more information about helping Hope's Wings, call Moreland at 623-4095.
Bill Robinson may be reached at brobinson@
richmondregister.com or at 624-6622.
