CAV radiothon this Thursday to cover ‘budget gaps’
A goal of $76,000 for the day by calling KTAOS 101.9
With domestic and sexual violence on the rise during the pandemic, Community Against Violence Executive Director Malinda Williams says the agency’s radio fundraiser, set to begin Thursday (Oct. 8), is a critical one.
“This year’s 18th annual CAV Radiothon – Thursday on KTAOS 101.9, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. – is more important now than ever before,” Williams said. “As many know, because of the pandemic, Community Against Violence had to cancel our three annual fundraising arts and crafts fairs, and have our CAV Thrift Store, at 1103 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, open limited days and capacity.”
Williams has set a goal of $76,000 for the day, part of a total of $180,000 she says CAV needs to raise each year to cover gaps in the agency’s budget. Last year, the radiothon brought in $76,800.
Community Against Violence did score a big financial win this year, when the U.S. Department of Justice awarded it $570,000 to go toward its transitional housing program, but Williams says that money can’t go toward covering other services typically covered through community fundraising.
Thursday’s event is one of the few that could happen this year.
The problems that CAV seeks to address in Taos County have also loomed larger during the public health crisis.
Williams believes that families isolated this year by stayat-home orders, job losses and school closures is likely the reason that cases of child abuse have risen by 140 percent and restraining orders by 23 percent compared to last year.
“We are counting on our local businesses and community members to come through and ensure that we are able to help us raise $76,000 this Thursday by calling into KTAOS to donate during the Radiothon, at (575) 758-8882, or texting (575) 7701325.”