WINGS second in nationwide Allstate fundraising challenge

Coming in second turned out to be a cause for celebration at WINGS, the Palatine-based agency that serves domestic abuse victims in the Northwest suburbs.

Its officials announced last week that they had placed second in the Purple Purse Challenge, sponsored by the Allstate Foundation.

The YWCA North Shore in Evanston wound up in first place, after raising more than $311,000 during the five-week challenge, surpassing WINGS by less than $30,000. Their first-place finish, however, won them a $100,000 from Allstate's foundation.

These suburban agencies emerged from more than 140 organizations nationwide selected by the Allstate Foundation to participate in the fundraising challenge.

"We had a tremendous outpouring of generosity and support from communities all around us," said Karen Singer, president and CEO of the YWCA North Shore. "It just signifies how many people cared about this issue and it allows us to deepen and expand our work."

For WINGS supporters, there was a silver, er, purple lining. They won an additional $75,000 from the Allstate Foundation for placing second, and an additional $11,000 after winning other bonus weekly contests.

"It is amazing that the top two agencies in the challenge serve the Northwest and North regions of Cook County," says Rebecca Darr, executive director of WINGS. "We both won."

WINGS' fundraising campaign drew pledges from individuals and corporations, as well as several anonymous donations of $10,000. In all, the organization raised $281,709 - or $80,000 more than the goal.

Counting the gifts from Allstate, the agency raised nearly $370,000 during domestic violence awareness month, at a time of heightened sensitivity to the issue, with the surfacing of the Ray Rice video and other alleged offenses by NFL players.

"We have been very fortunate to have been a part of the challenge," says Terri Channer, WINGS development director. "We're so excited that so many people participated and we were able to raise this much money."

Allstate started the challenge in 2011 to break the cycle of violence, and jump-start fundraising for organizations that serve domestic violence survivors. Its name, the Purple Purse Challenge, takes its inspiration from purple - the color designating domestic violence awareness - and a purse, signifying a woman's financial independence.

"This campaign will help take WINGS to the next level - and allow us to spread our wings," Darr added.

WINGS officials said funds would be used for program expansion, both in the opening of the new WINGS Metro Shelter in the Chicago and with additional space at the 45-bed safe house in Rolling Meadows. It also will help with community-based programs, including counseling, community education, and advocacy for individuals not needing shelter.

YWCA North Shore will use the additional funds for initiatives in prevention, getting more legal representation for survivors, and training medical professionals in hospitals, Singer said.

"Now, the real work begins," she added. "We have to make sure this becomes a game-changer."