Murphy – Folks ate pizza, entered a raffle and enjoyed the company of others – all to raise money for a worthy cause.
On Feb. 14, Reach of Cherokee-Graham County created a safe and friendly environment at Downtown Pizza for anyone who may be in an abusive relationship to come and be part of their Valentine’s Day event. The goal of Reach was to offer folks an alternative place to go during the holiday rather than stay with their abuser.
The event was also intended to raise funds for needed items and services that Reach’s grants do not cover, such as shoes, personal items and medications.
The dining room was filled with folks eating, chatting and donating. Raffle tickets were sold for a chance to win a $100 gift card from Lowe’s, and boxes of goodies sponsored by Parker’s Burgers & Treats were sold at $15 a box. The winner of the Lowe’s gift card was Denise Craig of Murphy.
“I just think it’s the best thing ever, anything that Reach is involved in we always want to be involved in it because we’re people first and we have to work together to get the job done, to protect people and make sure they’re safe,” said Latasha Thaggard, who owns Journee77 clothing boutique in Murphy with her husband, Lemar White.
Thirty percent of the cost of all meals purchased during the event were donated to Reach.
“Downtown Pizza is wonderful, they always are so good at supporting us and our mission. Really, the community needs the services of Reach and what we do so much. It’s one of those things that most people just don’t relate to unless they’ve personally had an issue in their families,” board member and treasurer Denise Bowden said.
“Essentially, those that are in these relationships are led to believe they have no other options. Most of them have been dealing with emotional abuse for many, many years that’s put them in a position where they feel like they have no one to turn to, and no one will really believe what’s happening to them.”
Details: Call 828-837-2097 or 828-837-9631.