The Junior League of Boston to Donate $24,000 to the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center
As part of its second year organizing the Little Black Dress Initiative, the Junior League of Boston raised funds to support the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center in raising awareness about the effects of sexual or domestic violence against women.
BOSTON, April 11, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Junior League of Boston (JL Boston) announced that it raised over $24,000 from nearly 400 donors as part of its second year organizing the Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI). The funds raised directly support the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC), which works to end sexual violence for all people through healing and social change.
"We are honored to support BARCC in raising awareness about the issue of sexual and domestic violence against women and girls in Boston," said Michelle Lentz, 2018- 2020 President of JL Boston. "Their mission is critical to making Boston a safer and stronger city, and we look forward to continuing to work together to make a positive change in the lives of those affected."
LBDI is an advocacy and fundraising campaign focused on educating community members about key issues in Greater Boston. This year advocates of the initiative wore the same black dress (or outfit) for five consecutive days at the end of February to highlight the effects sexual or domestic violence can have on a woman's access to resources, her confidence, and professional activities. Sixty-three participants wore stickers that read, "Ask Me About My Dress," to prompt conversations about these issues in the Greater Boston communities.
"The past year, while challenging, has also been inspiring as we watch new waves of people volunteering, donating, and taking action," said Gina Scaramella, Executive Director of BARCC. "The Junior League of Boston is not just hoping for change, they are working to make it happen. Together we are blazing the trail ahead. Thank you."
In the weeks leading up to LBDI and during the campaign, JL Boston hosted eight supporting events, including a kickoff fundraiser, an educational workshop with Sarah Beaulieu from ConverQ, and a close out brunch with community partners to amplify LBDI's impact in Greater Boston. During one event, JL Boston members created 150 survivor care packages for BARCC. Those packages were distributed to BARCC Med Ads, who bring them on their calls to emergency rooms and inpatient units.
"I'm a strong believer that to drive change, you must start locally," said Lindsay Farrell, Co-Chair of JL Boston's 2019 LBDI. "I'm so proud to see how the reach of LBDI spread throughout our community here in Boston this year. The insights and practical skills built during LBDI week to talk about these challenging topics are something that doesn't end here, and advocates will always carry with them."
Catie's Closet was also a community partner and beneficiary of this year's LBDI campaign. Catie's Closet works to improve school attendance by providing clothing and toiletries to children in need, right within their schools. To support their mission and community impact, JL Boston donated clothing items that were collected during the LBDI campaign to Catie's Closet.
The LBDI campaign originated in London in 2014 and has since been adopted by over 80 different Junior League chapters in North America.
About the Junior League of Boston:
The Junior League of Boston is part of the Association of Junior Leagues International, an organization of 291 Junior League chapters in four countries. The organization is composed of dedicated and creative women from varying backgrounds and interests, who committed to promoting voluntarism, developing tomorrow's healthy and confident women and leaders and improving communities through effective action and leadership.
To donate to JL Boston and help expand our impact, please visit http://www.jlboston.org.
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Contact:
Lindsey Shepardson
External Communications
Junior League of Boston
externalrelations(at)jlboston.org
SOURCE Junior League of Boston
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