$70,000 for SAFE

Donna Bartos
executive director
SAFE in Hunterdon
Flemington
    Just a few short weeks after starting my new position as executive director at SAFE in Hunterdon, I had the great pleasure of attending the Evening of Awareness cocktail reception honoring Congressman Leonard Lance. This event is held annually to recognize a leader in our community.
   Congressman Lance has partnered with SAFE in Hunterdon in its mission for many years, so it was an easy decision for the event committee to honor his work this year. Congratulations again, congressman, and thank you for your support in reauthorizing VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) and being our voice in Washington for victims of domestic and sexual abuse.
   This year, the event raised $70,000 for SAFE in Hunterdon to help with our work in serving victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. I speak on behalf of the entire staff and volunteers at SAFE in Hunterdon in thanking the outstanding event committee for all their work in planning this annual event. Committee members this year were: Annette Bancroft. Nancy Blankstein, Marion Canan, Mary Cardone, Jeannie Colalillo, Karen Curtis, Judy Dilts, Sheila Duncan, Rita Myer, Kathy Oldakowski, Sue Pollock, Kamala Ragam, Loren Spann and Lisa Verniero.
   Each donation to SAFE in Hunterdon goes a long way. These dollars fund SAFE’s life-changing empowerment services and provide Nights Of Safety to women and children escaping abuse and violence at home.
   According to the NJ State Police, a woman is assaulted every seven minutes in our state. The number of women, children, men and teens affected by abuse and violence in relationships continues to increase while traditional funding sources are reduced more and more. We depend on support from caring people to bridge this financial gap, so we can continue our work to end domestic and sexual abuse in Hunterdon County and beyond.
   Thank you to everyone who participated in this event! Your support yields a priceless return for our clients: Hope, empowerment, and safety from abuse. Please feel free to contact me anytime at 908-788-7666.