Help Wings take part in Allstate's Purple Purse Challenge

WINGS Program, Inc. is one of more than 220 nonprofits urging the public to support survivors of domestic violence and financial abuse during The Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Challenge, which takes place through Oct. 31.

The annual campaign coincides with National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is in October.

On an average day in 2016, 12,000 requests from domestic violence and financial abuse survivors for services such as child care and rent went unmet. The Purple Purse Challenge provides a critical funding source for domestic violence organizations that increasingly face high demand for their services, even as they operate with limited resources.

"Domestic violence groups rely on the public's support to meet the needs of survivors," said Rebecca Darr, CEO, WINGS Program, Inc. "That's why The Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Challenge is so important. This fundraising effort helps us raise money so we can keep helping women recover and rebuild their lives."

Nearly 100 percent of the funds nonprofits raise or win during the Purple Purse Challenge will go toward providing services to domestic violence survivors and their families.

This is the fourth time WINGS Program, Inc. is participating in the Purple Purse Challenge.

Domestic violence affects all communities. In fact, one in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime, regardless of socio-economic background or ethnicity - more than breast, ovarian and lung cancer combined.

In 99 percent of domestic violence cases, victims will experience financial abuse, which means their abusers will deny them access to money and the financial resources they need to break free.

Financial abuse is one of the primary reasons domestic violence victims stay in or return to abusive relationships. Without resources of their own, victims are often unable to care for themselves and their families, find employment and housing, or save for the future.

The Purple Purse Challenge provides several opportunities for nonprofits to exceed their fundraising goals. For example, the nonprofit in each division that raises the most money will receive a $100,000 grant. Additional grants range from $50,000 for second place to $5,000 for seventh place. There are also weekly bonus challenges.

And to further boost their fundraising efforts, nonprofits will receive a purple purse designed by tennis champion and Purple Purse Ambassador Serena Williams. Handcrafted from premium Italian leather, the limited-edition purse is valued at $400.

In addition to the local fundraiser, one individual from all donors to the Purple Purse Challenge on PurplePurse.com each week will win a purse in a random drawing.

The Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Challenge is administered by CrowdRise and is part of Allstate Foundation Purple Purse, a public education and fundraising program aimed at raising awareness of the prevalence of domestic violence and financial abuse and the need for resources to help survivors.

Now in its 13th year, Allstate Foundation Purple Purse has propelled more than one million survivors on the path to safety and security, and invested more than $55 million to empower women to break free from abuse through financial education, job training and readiness and small business programs for survivors.

Wings Program, Inc. provides emergency safe shelter, shared living homes and transitional housing for up to two years, often as an alternative to being homeless. In addition to housing, victims receive counseling, emotional and life skills support, career services and more.

Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation. Through partnerships with nonprofit organization across the country, The Allstate Foundation brings the relationships, reputation and resources of Allstate to support innovative and lasting solutions that enhance people's well-being and prosperity.

With a focus on building financial independence for domestic violence survivors, empowering youth and celebrating the charitable community involvement of Allstate agency owners and employees, The Allstate Foundation works to bring out the good in people's lives.

For more information, visit www.AllstateFoundation.org.