Finding Solutions: Nonprofits work to regroup after Helene
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Local nonprofit organizations are left figuring out what’s next after having to cancel large fundraisers because of Hurricane Helene.
We spoke with a couple of groups who are finding solutions in how to move forward while reassuring people that this cancellation doesn’t stop what they do.
You may have had your calendar booked to attend the 9th annual Fake It to Make It lip sync challenge in January.
It’s a large fundraiser benefiting Safehomes, a non-profit helping those experiencing domestic violence.
Jennifer Frantom, the development director of Safehomes says making the decision to cancel was not easy, but so many people participating were heavily affected by the storm.
Finding Solutions: Monument to Black caddies coming to Sand Hills
A monument honoring black golf caddies is now a reality, and you will soon be able to learn about the pivotal role they played in the sport.
“It ended up being a decision we had to make,” said Frantom. " We had a couple of teams not able to fulfill their commitment anymore and it was a hard decision, but we have repeatedly found that it was the right one.”
The event has sold out nearly every year and brings in a net income of $203,000.
Frantom says the need for domestic violence resources has only increased since the storm.
“Their needs are greater for us and so therefore our needs are greater and now we are not having this event,” said Frantom. “We are going to have to be very creative on how we recoup some of this.”
Across the river in Aiken, the Cumbee Center which helps those experiencing domestic and sexual violence had to cancel what would’ve been their 46th annual Whiskey Road Race.
“So not only is the Whiskey Road Race a fundraising event, it is a way to get our name out there,” said Jessica Coach, the executive director at the Cumbee Center. “It tends to bring in somewhere around 20,000 dollars annually.”
Coach says they had to cancel other domestic violence awareness events last month, however, the mission doesn’t stop and that’s where the community can step in.
Finding Solutions: Head Start programs come to Richmond County
Head Start programs are available in Richmond County all thanks to the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. Come next year, they’ll be serving up to 800 kids across five locations in the area.
“Help us in spreading the word of the services that we offer to the community,” said Coach. “They are life-changing, they are vital services.”
Frantom says Safehomes held a raffle this week to raise some funds and she’s thankful for the .
“That was encouraging for us to know that even though we are having to make this decision and rethink our plans for the next few months, the community is still standing behind us,” said Frantom.
Safehomes is looking forward to Fake It to Make It coming back in 2026.
Both organizations say people can donate or look to them as they head into the holidays.
Both Safehomes and the Cumbee Center have families ready to be adopted for Christmas if anyone would like to provide those gifts.
You can donate to the Cumbee Center here.
You can donate to Safehomes here.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
