CELINA — Our Home Family Resource Center announced the launch of Empty Bowls Mercer County, its annual fundraising campaign. Empty Bowls was established four years ago as the primary fundraiser for this local nonprofit that serves county residents facing domestic violence, poverty, or separation from parents.
“While the Empty Bowls campaign looks and feels very different this year since COVID forced cancellation of both our Spring events, the response has been incredible,” Our Home Marketing/Development Coordinator Deb Simon-Heinfeld said. “Admittedly, we look forward to a return to normalcy where we can once again invite our community to gather for painting bowls, raising funds, and breaking bread,” she added.
In lieu of public events this year, Empty Bowls kicked off with a partnership appeal mailed to businesses and organizations across Mercer County in mid-December. According to Simon-Heinfeld, the campaign has met 74 percent of projections and runs through April 5. The organization now seeks to engage individual donors, and encourage local residents to join in this year’s effort to ‘fill Mercer County’s Empty Bowls’.
“Each donor is investing into helping their neighbors find shelter from abuse, keep a roof over their heads, put food on their tables, and mend relationships with their children,” Simon-Heinfeld said. “Our Home helps thousands of Mercer County residents each year through its three programs: Direct Services & Referral provides a food pantry and financial support; Family Crisis Network offers shelter and counseling for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault; and, RAFT Supervised Visitation Center monitors visits for children with their non-custodial parents.”
Examples of donation impact:
• $10 will provide 3-day supply of food for a family of four
• $25 will cover costs to assist a person in a financial emergency
• $50 will operate 24-hour Domestic Violence Helpline for one week
• $150 will provide supervision for a non-custodial father to meet his child
• $1000 will shelter and support an abused mother and her children for a month
“No contribution is too small, and every donation is helpful,” Simon-Heinfeld said. “When the funds we receive from all across the county are combined, they will make a truly significant impact.”
Empty Bowls Mercer County is the signature fundraiser for Our Home Family Resource Center, a nonprofit 501c3 organization located at 117 W. Fayette Street in Celina. Donations can be mailed to Our Home (memo line: Empty Bowls) or can be made online at Facebook www.facebook.com/donate/134755311705036/ and Our Home’s Website www.ourhomefrc.com/emptybowls-mercer-county/ . The 2021 Empty Bowls Campaign ends April 5.
For more detailed information about the programs, projects, and services Our Home provides visit www.ourhomefrc.com or call 419-586-4663.
