GBMC HealthCare Raises $85,000 In April For Survivors Program

TOWSON, MD - April was Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Towson-based GBMC HealthCare honored the occasion by raising $85,000 to support its Sexual Assault Forensic Examination and Domestic Violence (SAFE & DV) Program, which provides services for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence in a confidential, non-judgmental atmosphere.

The SAFE & DV Program features registered nurses specifically trained and certified by the Maryland Board of Nursing to provide services for victims. In addition, the program's victim advocates assist with crisis counseling, emotional grounding, safety planning and danger assessment, as well as providing referrals for counseling, legal and shelter services within the community.

"We care for people at their most vulnerable moment; probably the lowest moment of their lives. They need every level of support, and our program provides that," Bonnie Stein, co-chair of the GBMC Walk a Mile in Their Shoes Committee said in a release.

This year marked GBMC's Sixth Annual Walk a Mile in Their Shoes fundraiser for the SAFE & DV Program. From April 1 to 17, participants joined the SAFE & DV team virtually in walking one mile or more and sharing their journey to spread awareness of about the impact of sexual assault in the community.

A total of 5,028 miles were walked this year, surpassing the goal of 2,891 miles, the latter number representing the 2,891 patients who received help from the SAFE & DV Program in the last five years. The event raised $77,471, with over 248 community members joining the movement. Additionally, Baltimore-based Mason-Mayes boutique donated 10 percent of its April 17 sales.

Walk a Mile in Their Shoes was just one of many fundraisers for GBMC's SAFE & DV Program this year. On April 10, Core Cycle Studios of Timonium hosted an in-person, socially distanced fundraiser designed to build awareness for the number of children treated by GBMC. At the event, seven teams rode a total of 94 miles, representing the 94 children who were sexual assault victims treated by the SAFE & DV Program in 2020. The event raised over $2,000.

Also, Baltimore artists Beth-Ann Wilson and Amy Shrestha each donated a one-of-a-kind butterfly painting that was raffled off to support the SAFE & DV Program. The butterflies represent the victims of sexual assault and/or domestic violence emerging from personal tragedies, ready to face life with newfound vigor and strength. The raffle raised $3,426 for the program.