Did you know that October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month? Designs by Lucinda is honoring that month in several ways. First, you’ll notice that this blog is posted in purple, the symbolic color for domestic violence. Also, we are highlighting a great nonprofit that has been a long-time customer and powerful advocate against domestic violence–Turning Point of Lehigh Valley.
Turning Point is a place where victims of abuse and their children can find emergency shelter and support services. Annually, the agency assists over 5,000 victims of domestic violence. In addition to providing support to domestic violence victims, Turning Point’s mission includes working toward ending domestic violence through education and increasing community awareness.
Designs By Lucinda is proud to say that we have been able to work with this great agency since 1992 to help reach these goals. All of Turning Point’s services are free, so in order to provide shelter and related services, the agency relies heavily on fundraising. Designs By Lucinda pins and earrings have been a staple in these fundraising efforts. In the last 19 years, Turning Point has utilized these custom pieces of art to raise over $100,000. Quite a chunk of change for a product that sells for around $16 per item!
But just as important is the continued conversations and awareness that the pins spread. In fact, when we asked Anne Mayer, our contact at Turning Point, how the pins have helped her organization, she was quick to acknowledge that the uniqueness of the pins creates intrigue and conversations. It’s the perfect opening to share the mission of Turning Point. Anne also noted that fundraising with the pins is easy because volunteers often handle the pin sales either through their workplaces, at various other venues, or as walking advertisements when wearing the pins. It is a hassle-free way to spread the word about domestic violence while generating revenue to provide needed services.
As with so many nonprofits, Turning Point experiences ups and downs in donations and fundraising revenue. We asked about the challenges that they experience, and Anne mentioned that sometimes turnover at the volunteer level or within the various businesses where they are sold, can effect pin sales. This shows the importance of keeping in touch with the offices and salons to make sure someone is dedicated to promoting the pins and ensuring that a variety of pins are on display.
We wanted to know what has made the pins a success for Turning Point for over 19 years. Anne’s insight was to have a good selection of pins. Whether you are a domestic violence organization or a housing organization, you should offer a variety of pins to your customers. The traditional pins are important to have on hand, but seasonal pins are also beneficial and increase fundraising revenue. She also follows many of our mottos that have proven to be successful: Wear One and Carry 10 in Your Purse! Point out the fact that each pin is unique. People love things that are original. Lastly, look for easy venues such as doctors’ offices and hair salons because so many women visit these places regularly. These simple techniques have worked for Turning Point since 1992. Designs By Lucinda looks forward to working with Turning Point for many more years.
