This past Saturday, the Tralee Crisis Center held a unique, one-of-a-kind fundraiser that not only brought the community together during the tail end of a political season, but raised over $4,000 to go toward the Center and everything those wonderful folks do.
The theme was imagined by Tralee Finance Director Karen McGahen as Freeze for a Cause, where Pampa’s bravest citizens posed as live human mannequins in the Tralee Thriftique store front windows, unable to move and only able to plead with their eyes to get them out-through donations. Each participant had to raise at least $100 to be able to finally move from their frozen positions.
“I have been wanting to do this for years,” Karen said. “It’s been so much fun and I am so grateful for everyone who has supported us.”
The first-ever event was an enormous success and a whole lot of fun. Among those who participated were several candidates in the running for the Gray County election (which is today!), and while it was a great last-minute move to remind folks to get out and vote, it also showed that amidst the tensions that always arise during political seasons, we can all still come together for a great, and crucial cause.
Those who participated are Dallas Cline, Dee Dee Laramore, Rick Amerson, Michael Lewis, James Greer, Courtnie Hale and Lyla, Kasey Presson, Jennifer Hartman, Dustin Miller, Todd Alvey, Candace Hanson, Franklin McDonough, Ian Moore, Amy Petroski, and Melvin Batman. The community really showed out by nearly tripling what the minimum donation would have equaled out to, from $1,500 to around $4,500. Phenomenal!
“We’re just bringing awareness to Tralee and trying to hit different circles within the community,” said Tralee Director Penny Harvey. “We have so many people who love Tralee and support us, but some of their friends and family may not know who we are. So we’re trying to get our name out there and let people know that Tralee is always available.”
“It brings people in and they also get to see what we’ve done in our store, and everything that is contributed goes straight back to our clients. With something fun like this, we can give something back, so anyone who contributes is contributing to those who are hurting and are able to help make their lives a little bit easier.”
Founded in the early 1980s with the help of Altrusa International of Pampa, the Tralee Crisis Center has provided important services to eligible survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking and other violent crimes in Gray, Carson, Childress, Collingsworth, Donley, Hall, Hemphill, Roberts and Wheeler counties.
The services provided include food, clothing, shelter, financial support, regular counseling, legal assistance, support, guidance, compassion and respect with the mission of empowering society to be free of violence.
For more information about the services the Tralee Crisis Center provide, call their 24-hour hotline, 806-669-1788 or 1-800-658-2796, or visit their website, www.traleecrisiscenter.org.
