In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, the St. Johns County chapter of Moms Demand Action hosted a fundraiser on Wednesday, Oct. 24 in Nocatee for Betty Griffin Center. With the goal of empowering women in the community and in the shelter, more than $2,500 and two carloads of supplies were donated as a result of the event.
About 90 women attended the shop and donate event, and in lieu of an entry fee, brought items from the shelter’s wish list — everything from food to towels, clothing and children’s items. The event showcased local women vendors, including several who have been affected by domestic violence, selling their products, handmade goods and services.
A raffle was held with items and gift cards donated by several local businesses, and the nearly $1,000 raised from the raffle sales alone went to support survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. Additionally, vendors donated a portion from all sales to Betty Griffin Center, which is a local nonprofit organization that provides emergency shelter to abused women and their minor children and temporary shelter for rape victims in danger after the crime. All new donor gifts will be matched by The Delores Barr Weaver Fund Challenge Grant.
“It’s amazing what women can do when we lock arms for a cause,” said Kelly Aguirrechu, local group leader for Moms Demand Action. “In the short time that we’ve been a formal Moms Demand Action chapter, we’ve held a Meet the Candidates event open to all county residents, hosted a St. Johns County Sheriff’s officer to speak to the community about the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Act and now made a significant impact for a local shelter. A huge thanks goes to everyone who made this event happen and to everyone who came out to shop and donate. Your generosity is nothing short of extraordinary!”
Nicole Donnelly Pece, development director with Betty Griffin Center, expanded upon Aguirrechu’s comments.
“What a great way to showcase local women-owned businesses while giving back to survivors of domestic and sexual abuse,” she said. “Thank you to this supportive and giving community for helping hundreds of women, children and families in St. Johns County in their effort to find support and survive what are often traumatic experiences. We were able to shop, have fun and raise awareness.”
People who missed the event can still donate directly to the Betty Griffin Center at www.bettygriffincenter.org/donate.
The next Moms Demand Action local event will be a Sandy Hook candlelight vigil on Friday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra Beach. The
event is open to the public. Interested residents are invited to join, and the group
always welcomes moms, dads, grandparents, teachers, etc.
Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that respect the Second Amendment and protect people from gun violence. For more information on the local chapter, contact Kelly Aguirrechu at (305) 753-5837 or kaguirrechuFL@gmail.com.
