Local nonprofit wins $35K

Takes 3rd in Purple Purse Challenge

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » Wellspring, the Saratoga County based domestic violence and sexual assault services resource, has won a $35,000 prize grant from The Allstate Foundation after placing in 3rd in a nationwide fundraising competition for domestic violence organizations in Allstate’s Purple Purse Challenge.

According to a news release, this marks the third prize won by the organization during the month-long challenge. Wellspring also finished the second week of the challenge in the top the, winning an additional $10,000 challenge gift and finished the final week in the top five, winning $3,000.

In total, Wellspring raised more than $80,000 thanks to the generosity of the community. It will use the money to support its comprehensive approach to helping victims of domestic violence, providing services such as shelter, a 24-Hour hotline, counseling, and legal advocacy, the release said. The funds will also help expand the programs that focus on prevention, issue awareness, and social change, such as partnerships with local schools and law enforcement.

Wellspring was supported in the challenge by 38 volunteers who helped raise funds from more than 300 donors, the release said. Local businesses and service organizations also supported Wellspring throughout the challenge—some hosted lunch and learn sessions, donation fitness classes, a company taco day, several promoted dress down days, and a local restaurant organized a dining out night to raise money and awareness.

Maggie Fronk, executive director of Wellspring, said, “I am totally in awe of the generosity of our community in supporting Wellspring’s vision of ending relationship and sexual abuse. “

In total, the Purple Purse Challenge raised $2.5 million that will go toward helping domestic violence survivors regain their independence.

The Purple Purse Challenge is part of Allstate Foundation Purple Purse, which aims to help end domestic violence and financial abuse through financial empowerment.

If you or someone you know is in a domestic violence situation, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224.