by Lornna Bates
Managing editor
The SE graduate counseling students held fundraising events throughout the week of Jan. 30 in honor of the Tackle Domestic Violence week benefitting the Durant Crisis Control Center and their fight against domestic violence.
Fundraising activities included a three-day bake sale, a raffle, several Super Bowl parties, support from local businesses and private donations from within the community, said Dr. Kimberly Donovan, Clinical Mental Health Counseling program coordinator for SE, as well as member of the Board of Directors for the Crisis Control Center since 2006.
“The SE graduate counseling students well exceeded their goal and raised over $1,000 with the bake sale, donations and from hosting Super Bowl parties,” Donovan said. All of the proceeds went directly to fund the Crisis Control Center, benefitting the shelter and counseling services that are provided for the community, Donovan said.
The bake sale, held Tuesday, Jan. 31 through Thursday, Feb. 2 in the basement of the Morrison Building, offered various baked goods (not store-bought) and fresh fruit. Every item was available for $1 and for every $5 spent, the person had the opportunity to enter their name into a raffle drawing.
Students, faculty and staff of SE made the bake sale a great success this year, Donovan said. The graduate students visited buildings and offices across the campus carrying baked goods and fruit items, giving those who were not able to make a trip to the Morrison basement the opportunity to participate in the fundraising activities.
The graduate counseling students also provided materials about domestic violence during the bake sale, Donovan said, spreading awareness of the issue and its impact on society, as well as on the local level, within our community.
The SE aviation department, with Dr. Stanley Alluisi, chair of aviation management, as well as the Hugo First Baptist Church’s Youth Group, led by youth minister Byron Smith, were instrumental in their support by hosting Super Bowl parties with successful results, Donovan said.
Alluisi said there were over a dozen people in attendance at his Super Bowl party this year. Last year, he began to collect money at the door, as well as pool money for each quarter, for which the winner of the quarter would receive half of the pool and the other half was also donated to the Crisis Center, Alluisi said.
As for the Super Bowl, Alluisi said, “I think the right team lost.”
The Durant Crisis Control Center offers help and support to victims of domestic violence. In addition the site offers resources, such as local self-defense classes available, preparation of a safety plan, what to do if children are involved and information on local food banks and clothes closets.
“The Durant Crisis Control Center is supported only by grants and donations,” Donovan said.
More information on the center is available at www.silencehidesviolence.org/#!get-help-now.
“The event was a big success again this year,” Donovan said, “and we look forward to holding the event again next year.”
“If you are a victim of domestic violence and you are looking for assistance, please contact your local crisis center, shelter, or law enforcement agency,” advised the Crisis Control Center website.
Anyone needing assistance should contact the local Crisis Control Center at 924-3030, the Oklahoma SAFELINE number, 1-800-522-SAFE (7233) or visit http://www.silencehidesviolence.org/#!get-help-now for those in need.