As many of you know, I have been at STAR for 3 years now.  You wouldn’t believe the things I’ve seen and heard every day, and the downright heroism I have witnessed from my coworkers.  While doing everything we can to adjust safely to the pandemic, Advocates, Educators, our Trauma Therapist, Crisis Line Volunteers and Admin Team have shown up every single day to be a ray of hope to clients on their darkest days and beyond.  The Prevention & Education team have adapted their program delivery by presenting to students and community members via Zoom.  We’re still here, we’ve been busy, and now I’m asking for your help.

Client needs have grown this year due to Covid19 and increased isolation and violence, job loss and transition.  It’s been a tough year for fundraising the resources to meet those needs.  Due to COVID19, we had to cancel our Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April) events as well as our biggest fundraiser of the year, the STAR Masquerade Ball.  A six-figure gap in funding for prevention and direct services.  Ouch.

Here’s the silver lining – instead of donating to cover event expenses (venue, décor, food, etc.) your gift will help our clients directly.  Just $25 will provide a survivor with a Crisis Response Kit (clothing and personal hygiene items).  $50 means new bed linens for a client who had to give up theirs for evidence collection.  The needs go up from there and we need your help.

Your gift of any size is very much appreciated.  After you give, be sure to share that you did on social media so you can inspire more good and brag about “being our STAR!” You can also sign up to be an individual fundraiser or create a team to make this campaign help even more survivors.

“Together we are stronger, our voices are louder, and the synergy of our actions more powerful.”