Jackson Free Press

JACKSON, MISS. – Jackson-area schools, colleges, churches, civic organizations, businesses and neighborhoods are called to unite in a friendly rivalry to put an end to domestic violence in Mississippi as part of the Chick Ball Challenge.

Now through July 6, these groups are competing to raise the most money and/or in-kind donations for the seventh-annual JFP Chick Ball on July 9 at Hal & Mal's. Groups are invited to rally together a team of no more than 20 people to fundraise on behalf of the Center for Violence Prevention. Both cash donations/sponsorships and in-kind silent auction donations will count toward each team's final total.

The winning team will receive bragging rights and a Chick Ball Challenge trophy at the event. To register a team of 20 or less for the Chick Ball challenge, email [e-mail missing] the name of your team, contact person, and phone number.

"Domestic violence occurrences are on the rise in the Jackson metro area, as we are hearing almost daily about another woman or child whose life has been negatively impacted by it," says Sandy Middleton, Executive Director of the Center for Violence Prevention, a shelter and organization that provides the opportunity for victims of domestic violence to start a new life, free of violence and fear.

Admission to the event is $5 and sponsorships are available, ranging from $50 to $5,000. To date, JFP Chick Ball proceeds have purchased a new minivan for the shelter and seeded Jackson's first abuser intervention program. Last year's event alone raised an astounding $20,000 toward legal fund services for victims. This year's goal is $30,000 to go toward the center's rural programs in Yazoo, Copiah, Claiborne, Sharkey, and Issaquena counties.

For more information on the JFP Chick Ball, visit jfpchickball.com.

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For Immediate Release
Contact:
Amanda Wells
[e-mail missing]