7B Women fundraiser raises $2,000
(Courtesy photo) 7B Women present a donation from their recent clothing exchange to Priest River Women’ s Ministries Advocates for Women. Pictured, from left, are Sherri Lies, Patty Hutchens, Kim Diercks, Priest River Ministries representative Kiersten Patterson, Jenn Markwardt, Alice Sloane and Gina Hall.
SANDPOINT — For the second year in a row, 7B Women was privileged to hold a fundraiser to benefit Priest River Ministries Advocates for Women. The clothing swap, which was held on June 15, raised $2,000 for this important nonprofit that assists women who are victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
“We were honored to partner with Priest River Ministries Advocates For Women and support an amazing organization,” said Alice Sloane, 7B Women board member and co-chair of the event.
The amount raised is twice as much as last year’s event, and the board of directors for 7B Women is grateful to the community members who stepped forward to help make it a success.
“We couldn’t host this event without the help of our community and local businesses. A special thanks to our event sponsors Alliance Title and Escrow and American Pacific Mortgage,” said Sloane, adding that the numerous volunteers who helped out, along with Tango Café where the event was located, made everything run smoothly and contributed to the success. Other donors include Santosha, Whiskey Jack Pottery, Finan McDonald, Aprill Lytton and Teri Poutre of Lularoe, and Sherri Lies. “Schweitzer Alpine Racing School also graciously allowed us to use their clothing racks for this event.”
The check was presented to Kiersten Patterson of Priest River Ministries at the 7B Women’s July luncheon. In a tearful speech, she shared how touched she was by the generosity and how the donation will make a significant impact on the lives of their clients.
Priest River Ministries Advocates for Women Executive Director Rhonda Encinas said that although the organization has been around since 2002 and received its nonprofit status in 2006, they have been more visible in the communities they serve in recent years due to the fact they have been able to procure office space.
“We have done outreach all along in many communities including Sandpoint, Clark Fork, Almira, Oldtown, Spirit Lake and Blanchard,” said Encinas, who travels to communities and carries supplies while working from her vehicle and holding meetings in public places such as coffee shops. Last year, Priest River Ministries opened an office in Sandpoint and they are opening one in Spirit Lake in September.
“To have offices staffed with advocates has raised awareness,” said Rhonda, adding that it is important to also have the privacy an office provides when meeting with clients.
To learn more about Priest River Ministries, log onto their website at prmafw.org. If you are interested in learning more about 7B Women, log onto 7BWomen.com.