The Rotary Club of Carlisle and the Rotary Club of Carlisle-Sunrise will host their annual holiday dinner and auction event on Friday, December 6th at the Comfort Suites in Carlisle. Proceeds from previous auctions have benefitted poor communities in Kenya and more recently projects in the local community. Rotary’s goal this year is to raise $15,000 to support much needed facility repairs and upgrades at the Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland and Perry Counties (DVSCP) emergency shelter.
Incorporated in 1990, DVSCP is a private, non-profit organization that has been designated by the Pennsylvania Coalition against Domestic Violence (PCADV) as the sole provider of services to adult victims of domestic violence, their dependent children, and significant others in Cumberland and Perry Counties. All services are provided confidentially and free of charge.
Last year, DVSCP provided services to 1,112 victims. This included providing shelter for 136 adults and children, totaling 4,299 shelter days and filing 323 Protection from Abuse orders in Cumberland County and 79 in Perry County. It also received 1,467 hotline calls, provided 3,071 counseling hours and presented 104 educational/awareness activities to 1,741 people. To prevent future domestic violence incidences, DVSCP also provided services to 104 batterers.
Originally built in the 1930’s, DVSCP’s 30-day Emergency Shelter requires vital structural repairs to remain operable and safe. The project includes updating or replacing all 45 windows in the shelter, as well as replacing all exterior wood to include trim, fascia, eaves, and dormers. The estimated cost for this project is $100,000.
DVSCP has been working very hard to raise funds for this project and Rotarians from District 7390 can now help by supporting this Holiday Auction. Support can be made in one of two ways, either by donating an item to the auction or by being a financial sponsor of the auction. One can be a Gold Level Sponsor by donating $500, a Silver Sponsor by donating $250 and a Bronze Sponsor by donating $100. To date, Carlisle Rotarians have already donated $7,500 in sponsorships alone.
Bill Blankmeyer, the Fundraising Chair for the auction notes that tax-deductible donations can be made to “Carlisle Rotary Club Foundation,” a 501© (3) charitable organization. Checks to support this project should be mailed to Carlisle Rotary Club, PO Box 301, Carlisle, PA 17013. Anyone with an item to donate to the auction or has questions regarding the auction should contact Blankmeyer at (717) 590-7229.