It's that time of year again...
In 2004, Jen Dieringer (pictured with me at left!), a Safe Passage board member, founded the Hot Chocolate Run with her husband John. I had just been hired at Safe Passage as a very part-time fundraising assistant. Jen and John managed to organize an amazing event that first year--400 people came out to run or walk to support Safe Passage, before drinking homemade hot chocolate (made in a few large pots in Jen and John's kitchen!)
Eight years later, I'm Director of Development at Safe Passage, and this event completely takes over my life every fall. I wouldn't have it any other way! I work with a small but extraordinarily dedicated event committee to organize what is now the largest charity event in Western MA. Last year, with 5,500 participants, we raised $165,000 for Safe Passage, and I'm hoping that we'll raise even more this year.
Money raised by this event is absolutely critical for Safe Passage. Event proceeds support our counseling services for people who have lived with abuse, our legal program, and our emergency shelter for families who have fled violence. The event has real, direct impact on people who've experienced domestic violence, and that impact grows every year. I'm so proud of what we've accomplished and am totally humbled by our community's strong support of Safe Passage's work.
I hope you can
join us at the event this year on December 2. If you're reading this from California, New York, Georgia...or if you can't be there for some reason other than geography, I hope you'll support us by making a donation here.
I'm proud of this event, but I'm even more proud of Safe Passage. My coworkers work so hard to help people achieve safety and justice for themselves and their kids, and it's my privilege to support that work. Please join me by donating whatever you can. Thanks so much.
xo Sarah
Hot Chocolate Run 2012: Step Up for Safe Passage!
Make a donation to support a Hot Chocolate Run participant!
Financial contributions directly support the comprehensive, FREE services that Safe Passage provides to women and children who have experienced domestic violence.
Participants who raise $100 or more will receive a custom hat to wear at the event. Stay tuned for news about prizes for our top fundraisers!
Safe Passage is the organization in Hampshire County building safety, hope and justice for families who have lived with domestic violence. Adults and kids come to Safe Passage for a variety of programs: an emergency shelter, counseling and support groups, legal advocacy, and so much more. We also work to prevent domestic violence before it happens through our community engagement programs. We hope you'll join us in our work by making a donation! Learn more at our
website.