2022 Newsletter Check out what we've been up to! |
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As always, we need to start with thanking everyone who has supported the work of Rachael Warrior Foundation. We wanted to let everyone know what we've been doing as an organization and share some of the ways your support has helped make a difference in the fight against Domestic Violence. |
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Partnering with Haven House Thanks to your generous support, we were able to enter into an endowment arrangement with Child and Family Services, Haven House - to help with their temporary shelter(s). The safety of those trying to escape abuse is a major concern, and Haven House provides safe and secure housing for families transitioning into their new life. In November 2022 we signed a $125,000 agreement with C&FS to provide guaranteed funding for much needed support. |
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Mardi Gras Bash - Domestic Violence "Blows" On February 25, 2022, we held our first annual Mardi Gras Bash at Babeville, raising awareness and funds to help us in our mission. This event will be back in 2023 by popular demand, as will the Buffalo's Brass Machine, and we look forward to seeing our friends and "warriors" chase away the demons of winter, prepare for spring, and support the fight against Domestic Violence. |
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Birthday Yoga Another mainstay of our events is Rachael's Birthday yoga. Every June Lisa Koellner leads an hour of peaceful and soul strengthening Yoga. Gathered around Rachael's memorial bench at Green Lake, we celebrate life, reinforce the love we all need, and take time to reflect on the ways we are all connected. Namaste! |
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Dining Out Against Domestic Violence On June 8, 2022, we partnered with over 50 area restaurants and launched "Dining out Against Domestic Violence." The event raised awareness and participating restaurants generously donated a portion of their day's sales to Rachael Warrior Foundation. The event included "Warriors" at these restaurants - acting as ambassadors - sharing Rachael's story, talking about our mission and letting the patrons know where some of the proceeds would end up. Our first attempt at this was met with positive feedback and we'll be doing it again in June of 2023. Stay tuned for details. |
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Warriors and Board Members collaborated on several other fundraising events during the year. A committee of "Warriors" created and ran a meat raffle, while some of our dedicated Board Members ran another "Buffalo Sports" themed Raffle. |
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716 Raffle In November 2022 the Board sponsored another sports-themed raffle. The "716 Raffle" gave the community an opportunity to support a good cause, while taking a chance at some great Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, and tailgating items. As usual, the community responded and helped us add a little more to our bank account to re-distribute to those in crisis due to Domestic Violence. |
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Meat Raffle On November 4, 2022 we held our first Meat Raffle at the Mathew Glab Post. It was a huge success and sold out in one week! Many of us had never been to a Meat Raffle (hard to believe) but we now understand what all the fuss is about. Thanks to the Warriors that ran with this idea, created a fun event, and made it a success. |
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Supporting all who fight against Domestic Violence. |
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Heart Light at the Harbor Rachael Warriors came out to support the Child and Family Services "Heart Light at the Harbor" fundraiser. |
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Along with Mayor Brown and John Flynn, Mark and Lauri shared Rachael's and the Foundation's stories at the Shine the Light event to raise domestic violence awareness. |
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C&FS Fashion Show With a Twist Rachael Warrior Foundation showed up in the audience and on the runway to help support the annual Child & Family Services "Fashion Show With a Twist". The fundraiser was held at Samuel Grande Manual in October, which is domestic violence awareness month. The event helped raise awareness and provide some additional funding for the C&FS mission to be used in the fight against Domestic Violence and in supporting those working to escape abuse. |
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Coalition Meeting with Assemblyman Pat Burke ~ Justice for Rachael Representatives of Rachael Warrior foundation met with Assemblyman Pat Burke and his team as well as Jenn Dunning of Governor Hochul’s Office, Brian Gould, Cheektowaga Police Chief and representatives of several community organizations to discuss efforts to revive the Justice For Rachael Act, bail reform, and other potential changes to our legal system. |
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The Justice For Rachael Act, penned by Assemblyman Burke, would provide a means to hold perpetuators of Domestic Violence, who might otherwise be eligible for immediate release. Kaitlyn Jorgensen, Survivor Advocate (and long-time friend of Rachael Warrior Foundation), Kareema Morris, Bury the Violence, and Lisa Lewis, Whole Life Healing represented our communities at this meeting. Ideas and approaches were discussed and advanced and new friends were made in the fight against Domestic Violence. Hats off to the driven and concerned women we met through Mr. Burke's office. |
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FJC Breakfast Meeting On June 9th, our Warriors attended the "Voices Ending Violence" breakfast. It was sponsored by the Family Justice Center and held at the Buffalo Convention Center. It is here where we learned about "Letters for Lala" which is a program placed in Buffalo schools in memory of 18 year old domestic violence victim Larrinsha Johnson. We find it incredibly important to educate ourselves as well as work hard in hand with our many advocacy partners. |
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Little Victories: We don't release names, or specifics; but in 2022 your donations have allowed us to provide support in areas where larger organizations can't. This support includes but not limited to paying storage fees while women and their families, regroup in temporary shelters before starting their new lives; helping families keep their apartments, covering rent and utilities while they recover from the financial damage many women face once they escape their abusers. We've snuck women out of abusive relationships, and helped them return to their families; we've directed victims to the local organizations that provide shelter, counseling and legal support. The people we've helped just needed a little support to start rebuilding their lives. We've even established a relationship with the Roswell Park toy drive and helped distribute Christmas toys to the children who have destroyed homes due to Domestic Violence. None of these victories would be possible without the love, trust and support of the community. Therefore, we will end this letter the way it started - by saying "Thank You" for your support in the fight against Domestic Violence. |
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