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Safe Berks Celebration of Peace & Walk For NO MORE!

by Safe Berks

Jun 02, 2021
Safe Berks

On Saturday June 19, 2021, the Safe Berks Celebration of Peace and Walk For NO MORE will kick off Art on the Avenue in West Reading! In past years, Safe Berks held the Celebration of Peace in December. However, due to COVID-19, this event was postponed. Safe Berks decided to hold the Celebration of Peace and the Walk For NO MORE both on the same morning. To reduce the risk of COVID-19, Safe Berks asks all participants in these events to wear masks and practice social distance.

The Celebration of Peace will begin at 9 a.m., in a large tent at the corner of Penn Avenue and Park Road, Wyomissing. Tickets cost $75 and can be purchased online at www.SafeBerks.org, click on Events.

Safe Berks is proud to honor John and Lisa Gallen with the Vision for Peace award. It is the highest honor awarded by Safe Berks. Those we recognize with this award have made justice and peace their life’s work. For many years, John and Lisa Gallen have generously supported Safe Berks as a couple and through Ethosource Office Furniture. They have helped us solve problems, so that we can deliver services and help survivors rebuild their lives.

The United Way of Berks County and Blankets of Hope have been chosen to receive the Safe Berks Voices for Change awards. This award honors individuals and institutions whose work makes a significant contribution to furthering the mission of Safe Berks.

For decades, the United Way of Berks County has provided essential assistance to Safe Berks. We are honored to be one of their 35 partner agencies. Their support strengthens and empowers the entire Berks County community.

Blankets of Hope, led by founder Marc Goldstein, has provided hundreds of new blankets and dozens of twin-size beds to Safe Berks clients. These generous donations provide warmth and comfort to residents of our Safe House, and also travel with them to their new homes when they leave Safe Berks.

The Celebration of Peace will include delicious breakfast foods, inspiring videos, an update about Safe Berks, and award presentations. We will also thank our generous Annual Sponsors.

Participants in the Walk For NO MORE will begin to gather at 10 a.m. outside the tent at the corner of Penn Avenue and Park Road, Wyomissing. People can register to participate in the Walk For NO MORE online at www.SafeBerks.org, click on Events. Participants can start a fundraising team, join an existing team, donate, or join as an individual.

Both the Celebration of Peace and the Walk For NO MORE raise much-needed funds to help Safe Berks continue to provide free services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

After the Celebration of Peace, around 10:45 a.m., the award winners will lead the Walk For NO MORE down Penn Avenue to the 400 block. This walk may only cover a few blocks, but it makes an enormous statement. We are saying together, as a community: NO MORE domestic violence! NO MORE sexual assault!

After the Walk For NO MORE, Safe Berks will offer information and children’s crafts from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the 400 block of Penn Avenue, as part of Art on the Avenue. Safe Berks staff and volunteers will be present all day, sharing information about the free services we offer survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. In addition to raising funds to support Safe Berks, we will also raise awareness about these important issues.

“In June 2019, more than 200 people participated in the Safe Berks Walk For NO MORE, and it was an amazing day,” said Beth Garrigan, Safe Berks CEO. “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Safe Berks has never stopped providing our lifesaving free services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. On June 19, 2021, for the first time since COVID-19, our staff, volunteers, donors, Board members, award winners, sponsors, advocates, and friends will gather together in person to celebrate our mission to end abuse.”

“In addition to helping a great cause, it is also a really fun day for families and people of all ages,” said Garrigan. “After the Walk, there are activities, food, shopping, and music all day along Penn Avenue. This day is a great opportunity to support our local businesses in West Reading that suffered during the pandemic.”

Safe Berks provides safe haven and support to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Our advocacy and education programs increase awareness of oppression and promote the prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault. Safe Berks services include shelter, a 24-hour Hotline and text line, counseling, legal services, medical advocacy, and education. Safe Berks services are free, confidential, and available in English and Spanish, and will be translated into any other language needed.

Safe Berks served more than 4,000 clients in the last fiscal year. Our 24-Hour Hotline number is 844-789-SAFE (7233), or text SAFE BERKS to 20121.

Celebration of Peace Fast Facts

Date: Saturday, June 19, 2021

Time: 9-10:30 a.m.

Location: under a tent at the corner of Penn Avenue & Park Road, Wyomissing

Event includes: Breakfast, Videos, Award Presentations

Cost: $75 per ticket

Register: www.SafeBerks.org, click on Events

More info: contact Mindy McIntosh, Director of Development, at [email protected] or 610-468-9637

 

Walk For NO MORE Fast Facts

Date: Saturday, June 19, 2021

Time: Gather starting at 10 a.m., Walk begins at 10:45 a.m.

Location: Gather outside tent at corner of Penn Avenue & Park Road, Wyomissing

Event includes: walk down Penn Avenue to the 400 Block

Register: www.SafeBerks.org, click on Events

More info: contact Francine Scoboria, Communications Coordinator, at [email protected] or 610-373-1206

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