As part of Pekin Hardy’s commitment to supporting the communities where our employees live and work, team members have the opportunity to use paid volunteer time to support causes that are meaningful to them. Recently, our employee Mamie Rijks used her volunteer day to attend Project Hope of Gunnison Valley’s annual fundraising luncheon, supporting an organization she has been involved with in several ways over the years.
Below, she shares more about Project Hope, its impact in Gunnison Valley, CO, and her experience supporting the organization.
Project Hope has been serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking in the Gunnison Valley of Colorada since the 1980s. To increase its visibility in the community and raise additional funds for its clients, Project Hope started an annual luncheon fundraiser five years ago.
Over the past year, Project Hope has provided counseling, over 300 nights of emergency housing, legal counseling, and financial assistance to its clients free of charge. Like many organizations that assist victims of violent crimes, Project Hope is facing a 30% reduction in government grants and funding, making private donations increasingly important to its ability to continue providing these services.
This year’s luncheon included an auction that helped raise the $250,000 needed for Project Hope to meet it’s 2027 budget.
Personally, I have helped establish a system with a local bank to open accounts after hours, providing victims of abuse a safe and anonymous way to establish financial independence. I am also an active member of PEO Chapter JP, a charity that supports women’s education and Project Hope, and I provide financial education to several local associations.
I am proud to support such an impactful organization and grateful to Pekin Hardy for providing employees with volunteer time that allows us to give back to causes and communities that are meaningful to us.
This article is prepared by Pekin Hardy Strauss, Inc. (“Pekin Hardy,” dba Pekin Hardy Strauss Wealth Management) for informational purposes only. Pekin Hardy Strauss is not affiliated with Project Hope of Gunnison Valley.
