Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Raises Nearly $2.5 Million for Domestic Violence Services

NORTHBROOK, Ill., Oct. 6, 2014 /3BL Media/ – The Allstate Foundation, through online donations and direct grants, raised nearly $2.5 million for domestic violence services during its Purple Purse Challenge that concluded late last week. YWCA Evanston-North Shore from Evanston, Ill., earned $311,407, the most of the nearly 140 participating organizations, and won the top prize of $100,000 from The Allstate Foundation to help survivors recover from financial abuse. Allstate Foundation Purple Purse encourages conversation and action around the No.1 reason victims of domestic violence stay in abusive relationships—finances.

The initiative enlisted the help of Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated actress Kerry Washington to spread awareness and encourage the public to donate. The Challenge, the first for The Allstate Foundation, broke numerous records for the CrowdRise website and created a grassroots movement with the majority of donations under $50.

Milestones from the Purple Purse Challenge include:

·         More than half (53 percent) of donations were under $25 and 75 percent were under $50.

·         Raised nearly $1 million in the last week alone.

·         More than $450,000 was raised in the final 24 hours, and nearly half of that ($220,000) came in the final hour.

·         Broke the CrowdRise record for most raised in the first day of any Challenge. And, shattered the CrowdRise record for the most dollars raised in both the last 24 hours and the most raised in the final hour of any initiative on the platform.

“We are thrilled with the outpouring of support from 14,500 people who took the Purple Purse Challenge and gave directly to domestic violence service providers across the country,” said Vicky Dinges, senior vice president of corporate responsibility at Allstate. “We know that social service providers are operating with fewer resources. Each donation, no matter how big or small, will help the thousands of women who need assistance gain access to life-saving services for themselves and their families.” 

The following Purple Purse Challenge winners will receive additional funding from The Allstate Foundation:

The Challenge ran from Sept. 2 – Oct. 3, 2014. During that time, The Allstate Foundation contributed nearly $650,000 in incentive funding and direct grants to participating organizations. The Allstate Foundation will keep the fundraising site open through 2015, so people can still contribute to organizations at www.crowdrise.com/PurplePurseChallenge.

The Allstate Foundation also offers the following tips for talking to someone you suspect may be in an abusive relationship:

Offer support without judgment or criticism.
There are a lot of reasons why a victim may stay in an abusive relationship, and many reasons why she may also leave and return to the relationship multiple times. Let her know it's not her fault and that she's not alone.

Don't be afraid to tell her that you're concerned for her safety.
Help your friend or family member recognize the abuse while acknowledging that she is in a very difficult and dangerous situation.

Avoid confrontations.
There are many reasons why individuals experiencing abuse don't reach out to family and friends. It's important to recognize when she is ready to talk about her experiences while still offering support.

Encourage her to get help.
Suggest ways she can get additional support. Help her look into available resources, such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline number (800-799-SAFE) or a local domestic violence agency with specially trained advocates to help her out of the situation.

For additional information on the program visit www.PurplePurse.com.

Since 2005, The Allstate Foundation Domestic Violence Program has empowered domestic violence survivors with resources, knowledge and skills they need to achieve financial empowerment and a life free from abuse. Since its inception, the program has helped nearly 400,000 domestic violence survivors leave abusive relationships through financial education, job training and readiness and microenterprise programs.

About The Allstate Foundation
Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL). Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country, The Allstate Foundation brings the relationships, reputation and resources of Allstate to support innovative and lasting solutions that enhance people’s well-being and prosperity. With a focus on teen safe driving and building financial independence for domestic violence survivors, The Allstate Foundation also promotes safe and vital communities; tolerance, inclusion, and diversity; and economic empowerment. For more information, visit www.AllstateFoundation.org.

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