FARMINGTON – The Sexual Assault Victims Emergency Services and the Granary Brew Pub and Restaurant teamed up for the opening March Madness College Championships basketball games to raise funds for sexual assault services in Franklin County.

The Granary donated 10 percent of all food sales from noon until 9 p.m. to the agency and many people went out to dinner that evening in support.

SAVES’ Director Janine Winn dined with several members of the agency’s board of directors and said she was pleased with the turnout of diners and basketball fans. “I spoke with a number of people who said they had come out specifically to support SAVES. We’re very grateful to the Granary owners, Tom and Rocell Marcellino,” she said.

The Granary matched the amount raised from food sales and made a $500 donation to SAVES. Winn said that “in the present times when funding is so tight and the need for services is so large, a gift like this is so meaningful.”

The donation will be used to help fund sexual assault prevention education programs. SAVES is working with high school students to develop awareness materials for middle school students. The staff has recognized a need for awareness among younger teens.

SAVES Crisis Response Services Coordinator Bonnie Lisherness worked with victims of 32 cases that were investigated by law enforcement during 2004. Sixteen of the cases involved victims age 11 to 17.

SAVES 24-hour hotline number is 1-800-871-7741. The office number for inquiries about volunteering, donation or for more information is 778-9522.

Copy the Story Link