WILTON – Franklin County ‘s rape crisis center, Sexual Assault Victims Emergency Services, was recently given a check for $500 from Community Fund-raising Committee member Mary Richards of the GH Bass Distribution Center.
The year 1998 saw lay-offs of about 300 people with the closing of other Wilton GH Bass operations, but ironically with that came a gradual increase in their community giving. A total of approximately $20,000 is raised annually and given to qualifying area organizations.
Operation Santa Claus tops the list at $5,000 in donations, with the average gift in the $250 to $500 range. Footwear donated by GH Bass sold at Wilton’s annual Blueberry Festival is the main source of money raised by the all-volunteer Fund-raising Committee. Other activities held throughout the year add to the contributions. Organizations are welcome to apply for consideration by contacting Richards at 645-3131.
SAVES Executive Director Janine Winn says that in this time of budget shortfalls and funding cutbacks the donation is gratefully accepted and will be put directly to use in supporting services to victims of sexual assault.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
