Make a Difference: Take the Purple Purse Challenge.

What do Serena Williams, purple purses, and raising awareness about domestic violence all have in common? A lot, as it turns out — all three come together this month for the Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Challenge. This fundraising opportunity gives organizations (like Blackburn Center!) the opportunity to win up to $100,000 to support our mission — and donors like you the chance to win a purse designed by the tennis great herself.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It is a time for us to recognize the grim statistics surrounding domestic violence in our country. On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States — which equates to 10 million women and men per year. Domestic violence can impact anyone, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It is common throughout the country — including here in Westmoreland County.

Despite this, funding for services for victims and the community are often limited. Allstate Foundation has responded by developing resources to support non-profit organizations, particularly with regard to financial stability issues. Many women in abusive relationships have difficulty leaving their abusers because they are financially unable to do so; a purse represents financial security to many women. The Purple Purse Challenge provides a critical funding source for domestic violence organizations that face increasingly high demand for their services, even as they operate with ever-shrinking budgets.

So how does the Purple Purse Challenge work? It’s simple. Nonprofit organizations compete for a chance to receive a grant of up to $100,000. Each organization works to raise money to support their mission by asking for donations and competing in various challenges. The purple purse is a symbol of financial security — and of the color of domestic violence awareness. By donating to Blackburn Center through the Purple Purse Challenge , you can help us continue to provide services to victims of domestic violence and all types of violence. It may even help women in Westmoreland County escape an abusive relationship.

This October, you can participate in Domestic Violence Awareness Month — and follow in Serena Williams’ footsteps — by donating to Blackburn Center through this link. Doing so will help us continue to provide critical services to victims of domestic violence in Westmoreland County.

At Blackburn Center, we offer services to all victims of domestic violence, including women, children and men. If you need help, you can contact us anytime at 1-888-832-2272 or 724-836-1122. For more information, click here to view our list of services for victims of violence.

Learn More:

Blackburn Center's Purple Purse Challenge Page

Domestic Violence

How We Can Help

#purplepursechallenge