By Juli Metzger—
MUNCIE, IN—You may not always get to see the result of your kindness but never doubt that it leaves a mark.
That was the message at last week’s annual YWCA Central Indiana HEELS fundraiser, which drew about 400 people and raised $125,000, including an unexpected large gift from a new donor.
Lives are transformed not just by systems and shelters, but by people — people who choose to care, choose to give and choose to believe in someone else’s better future.
The HEELS event supports the operational costs of YWCA Central Indiana. HEELS stands for Help, Empower, Encourage, Lift and Support. The theme also carries a personal meaning for Barnes Griffin. “People who know me, know I wear heels every day — because I’m walking and working for HER.”
YWCA Central Indiana serves seven counties — Delaware, Jay, Blackford, Randolph, Henry, Grant and Madison — and is the only YWCA in the state to accept mothers with sons over the age of 10.
“Your support helps keep our doors open and our programs running,” said CEO WaTasha Barnes Griffin. “It helps us provide the essentials many of us take for granted — safe shelter, nutritious meals, clothing, hygiene products, and a welcoming environment for women and their children.”
Today, one in three YWCA Central Indiana residents is over age 70. Almost half of those served are under 17 years old. Two-thirds of the women and children served have incomes below the federal poverty level.
“The power of giving is that it strengthens organizations and enriches lives in ways that are often unseen,” Barnes Griffin said. “One of our guests was attending HEELS for the very first time. We had submitted a grant application to their foundation, and they came with a check for twice what we’d requested. Turns out they’d done their own research. It’s what fuels me and the team I work with every day.”
This year’s event drew a wide range of corporate sponsors, including presenting sponsor Open Door Health Services. Other sponsors were First Presbyterian Church, Meridian Health Services, American Electric Power, Swift and Associates, Shafer Leadership Academy, the City of Muncie, Prime Trust Federal Credit Union, DeFur Voran, First Merchants Bank, Minnetrista Museum and Gardens, The JMetzger Group, Matt Weyand Repairs and Renovations, Star Financial Bank, Estep Burkey Simmons, Mid-Eastern Indiana Realtors, Ball State University Office of Community Engagement, and Gardens of Memory.
A leading community collaborator, YWCA works with a number of other agencies to address homelessness, including the HUB housing consortium, the Muncie Mission, Christian Ministries, A Better Way, Meridian Health Services, Open Door Health Services, Center Township Trustee, the city’s Office of Community Development, and IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital.
YWCA Central Indiana is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, dignity and freedom for all.
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