SARATOGA SPRINGS – The staff and volunteers of Wellspring, the domestic violence service provider in Saratoga County, have raised more money than any other organization in their division during the second week of the Allstate “Purple Purse Challenge.” In doing so, they secured a $10,000 challenge gift that the Allstate Foundation awarded to the three charities that raised the most money in the second week of the friendly competition.
To date, Wellspring is in second place in the nation having raised more than $52,000. Wellspring participated in the 2016 Challenge, finishing fifth in the nation by raising more than $51,000.
More than 130 individuals, businesses, and organizations made gifts exceeding $42,000 during the second week of the month-long fundraising competition, which benefits charities that support victims of domestic violence. The Purple Purse Challenge continues through Oct. 31, with the top teams vying for grand prize cash donations totaling $325,000 from the Allstate Foundation.
Wellspring will use the money raised through the Purple Purse Challenge to support their comprehensive approach to helping victims of domestic violence—services such as shelter, a 24-Hour hotline, counseling, and legal advocacy. 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.
Notable Saratoga County leaders, organizations and businesses have bolstered the efforts of Wellspring on social media, including Death Wish Coffee, DeCrescente Distributing, the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, the Saratoga County Sherriff, Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (D-Round Lake) and Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R-Ballston).
Wellspring has compiled a list of supporters at wellspringcares.org/tumblr.com/ppl. To help the community follow the Purple Purse Challenge, Wellspring also has a webpage: https://www.crowdrise.com/wellspring-purplepurse2017