Family & Children’s Center donors come out for mental health and child abuse prevention
Family & Children’s Center (FCC) is celebrating the tremendous support of community members with pledges and contributions of more than $625,000 raised toward a $750,000 annual event fundraising goal unveiled at the Bridges to Better Tomorrows event at Weber Center for the Performing Arts November 1.
The event supports FCC’s $10.7 Million dollar budget. FCC operates seven facilities in five communities. Programs include Stepping Stones and Matty’s Place Child Advocacy Centers, safe places for children to come and receive a structured interview about possible abuse, as well as Hiawatha Hall, which provides services that prepare residents to move into independent living.
More than 200 guests joined FCC staff in a journey of love and support featuring stories of hope and help, inspiring videos and a performance from La Crosse Girlchoir who sang, “I Have A Voice.”
Attendees were encouraged to consider a gift to FCC by 18 donors who are giving $25,000 to $50,000 each to create a Challenge Grant of $480,000. Additional donors have already helped push the fundraising total to less than $125,000 remaining to reach the $750,000 goal.
“We are so grateful for our donors as unrestricted gifts will have a tremendous impact toward bridging the funding gaps we are experiencing. Major decreases of 41 percent are expected from federal and state government sources that will impact victims of crime, in particular our child advocacy centers – Stepping Stones in La Crosse and Matty’s Place in Winona,” says CEO/President, Tita Yutuc, LCSW, LICSW.
FCC shared a video of community members and staff as they reflected on the impact Family & Children’s Center has on its 5,500 annual clients.
Funding from the event supports the operation of about 20 programs in the five communities of La Crosse, Winona, Viroqua, Sparta and Black River Falls. FCC manages seven facilities.
While the generous contributions will help paint brighter futures for FCC’s clients, more are needed to meet the $750,000 goal. Contributions can be made now through December 31 on fcconline.org or by contacting Ellen Hongerholt, Director of Advancement & Marketing, at ehongerholt@fccnetwork.org or by calling (507) 459-1989 or (608) 668-2132.
FCC is honored to share the following Matching Challenge Grant Donors:
Nesnah Ventures
Altra Federal Credit Union – La Crosse, La Crescent & Winona
Anonymous
Bay State Milling Company
Tyler & Michelle Dahl
Dahl Automotive
Barb & Dave Erickson
Glendenning Family Foundation
Gostomski Foundation
Gundersen Health System
John Lyche
Merchants Bank – Winona & Onalaska
Jerry & Pat Papenfuss
Slaggie Family Foundation
Trust Point
The Weber Group
Mary Jo & Shawn Werner
Andrea & Jeff Wieser
Supporters are invited to join the Bridges to Better Tomorrows Giving Societies, detailed below:
Saving Lives Champions ($25,000 to $100,000) – Boost geographic and programmatic reach in the communities in which we serve.
Relentless Protectors ($10,000 to $24,999) – Transform the lives of children and adults with serious mental illness.
Wellness Heroes ($5,000 to $9,999) – Invest in programs for youth and unsheltered teens, counseling, foster care, and more.
Healing Partners ($1,000 to $4,999) – Expand services to respond to the needs of our youngest generation.
Supportive Allies ($500 to $999) – Nurture Healthier Families
Friendly Advocates ($1 to $499) – Help more individuals in our communities as every dollar counts.
Community members are invited to view the entire Bridges to Better Tomorrows event below:
