Every 44 minutes, a child in Arizona witnesses domestic violence. Having somewhere safe to go changes lives for the hundreds of women grappling with domestic violence in Arizona.

Charity Charms, a Phoenix-based social enterprise, is coordinating an October fundraising campaign to provide nearly 500 nights of shelter at Sojourner Center for those fleeing unsafe environments. Arizona Facial Plastics, led by CEO Felicia Taghizadeh, donated all marketing costs in the effort, and Arizona Gives, a coalition of the state’s various nonprofits, is accepting donations on behalf of Sojourner Center.

“A central component of Arizona Facial Plastics is to give back to our community,” Taghizadeh said. “October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which seemed a perfect time to show our support to Sojourner Center and its efforts to help women and children affected by violence.”

What makes this “give and get” campaign unique is the thank-you gift given to each person donating $50 or more. Each $50 donor gets a custom designed key fob featuring a key charm that says STRENGTH. Donors also get charms from all the campaign collaborators as a memento of their generosity and to build awareness about domestic violence.

Sojourner Center, founded in 1977, provides shelter beds and transitional housing to those impacted by domestic violence throughout Arizona. It is one of the nation’s longest-running domestic violence shelters. On Oct. 15, the center hosts its annual fundraising luncheon featuring author and domestic violence survivor Heather Grossman, who wrote Paralyzed in Paradise.

The luncheon is Sojourner’s largest fundraising event, and this year’s program, Together We Thrive, is a virtual event.

Kay McDonald, CEO for Charity Charms, said each month she partners with business leaders and other nonprofit agencies in a Key to Strength campaign focused on fundraising for a specific cause. As Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed nationwide throughout October, she said it was perfect to choose an agency that assists those personally affected

“Sojourner Center stands as a cornerstone in our battle against domestic violence,” she said. “Bringing safety to hundreds of people is our goal with the October awareness and fundraising campaign.”

A goal of $20,000 has been set for the fundraising. One $50 donation provides a night of safety, shelter, and critical care to a woman in need. Donations are 100 percent tax deductible, thanks to the sponsorship by Arizona Facial Plastics.

Businesses are encouraged to make donations of $500 or more and share the key fobs with employees to build a common vision of helping the community.

To take advantage of the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, individuals can donate $400 (eight nights of safety) and couples filing jointly can donate $800 (16 nights of safety). Donors using the tax credit option also receive the commemorative fobs, which make meaningful gifts to family, friends, clients, and employees.

Make your donation here:
https://charitycharms.com/kts-sojournercenter/