KRA Monthly Spotlight!

Our Spotlight! is shining brightly on KRA’s 2014 Community Care Campaign, launched in September by Knowlton R. Atterbeary, President & CEO, who announced that during October— National Domestic Violence Awareness Month—KRA and its employees would be supporting the efforts of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence “to work for major societal changes necessary to eliminate both personal and societal violence against all women and children.”

On October 1, wearing purple ribbons, KRA staff company-wide joined in NCADV’s “National Day of Unity” observance by beginning the workday with a moment of silence.  Then, throughout the month, KRA staff worked arduously to support local anti-domestic abuse/violence programs.

The Campaign resulted in a total of $7,500 in monetary donations, with KRA Corporation contributing $2,500 to NCADV directly and another $2,000 to KRA Programs to jump-start their local fundraising activities, which resulted in another $3,000!

At the local level, funds supported cash contributions, community-event sponsorships, and the purchase of thousands of items that were donated to local advocacy groups and shelters.  Examples of some program achievements include:

• Alameda County, CA donated new clothing, provided by Van Heusen Clothier, and supported the Grand Opening of Safe Alternatives.
• Baltimore, MD supported The House of Ruth with clothing, make-up, and monthly planners.
• Camden, NJ donated baby wipes, clothing, make-up, and underwear to the Camden County Women’s Shelter.
• Greater Hartford, CT attended a candle-light vigil; participated in a “Let’s Talk” community blitz; and donated baby wipes, diapers, gift cards, pillows, and socks to The Prudence Crandall Center and Interval House.  My Sister’s Place received a special $500 donation raised by supporters of Lisa Lazarus, who ran a ½-marathon.
• Miami, FL donated toiletries and other items, and co-sponsored the Safe Space Foundation’s “7^th Annual Domestic Violence Walk”.
• Norfolk, VA supported Samaritan House through an “Adopt-a-Shelter” clean-up day.
• Prince George’s County, MD/Washington, DC donated clothing to The Covenant House, and conducted Career Workshops for customers and community residents.
• San Diego, CA co-sponsored YWCA Becky’s House in the “Walk-A-Mile in Her Shoes” event.

Mike Stevenson, KRA Innovation Manager and 2014 CCC Coordinator, concluded, ” The Campaign may have come to an end, but not the commitment!  Our staff across the country will continue, individually and collectively, to support our community advocate-partners in putting an end to domestic abuse and violence.”