Contacts: Karen Faulkner 920-435-0100
Jim Graziano 920-883-9085
The New Fundraiser Promises to be the Signature Event of the Summer
Green Bay – On Saturday, August 11th, Golden House will be hosting the first ever Bikes & BBQ at the new Vandervest Harley-Davidson, 1966 Velp Avenue. Bikes & BBQ is a new fundraising event benefitting Golden House and that organization’s work, providing help and healing for victims of domestic abuse. Registration for the event will begin at 9:00am with BBQ classes and sampling beginning at 12:00pm.
The event starts with a three-to-four-hour poker run for the motorcyclists. While the bikers are out, there will be BBQ teams preparing for the contest, BBQ classes for those who want to learn the secrets of great grilling, and local restaurants and amateurs offering samples for those who are not riding. Once the riders return, there will be music, silent auctions, more food and judging of the BBQ contest.
In addition to Vandervest Harley-Davidson, the Schneider National Foundation, Festival Foods, 93Rock, Wild Blue Technologies, Green Bay Packaging, Triangle Distributing, Dean Distributing, Kwik Trip, are sponsors for the event. Mad Dog and Merrill will be hosting the barbecue contest and executive chef Craig Bell of Big Hatt Gourmet will be teaching barbecue classes throughout the day.
“This is really an exciting event for us,” said Karen Faulkner, Golden House executive director. “It’s something that is unique in this area and there is so much for people to do. We are looking forward to an incredible day that promises to be a lot of fun.”
Golden House is a unique organization in this area. Most people know about the shelter, yet the vast majority of people served by the organization never spend a night at Golden House. In the first half of 2012, Golden House has helped more than 1600 people of which only 15% ever spent a night in the shelter. Nearly 900 were helped through outreach programs, and another 488 clients received intervention and advocacy services.
Faulkner added “Nearly 20% of our funding comes from events like Bikes & BBQ. This is why it is exciting to see so many people coming out to be part of this outstanding day. The need for services is not slowing down. However, without proper funding, this need could go unanswered. Unfortunately, in many cases, Golden House is the only place victims can find help.”
The staff, Board of Directors and volunteers are working tirelessly to find ways to raise the additional money this year to fill the hole of funding lost in 2012 and preparing for 2013.
Golden House is dedicated to providing help and healing for victims of domestic abuse. It is a local, non-profit providing support and education for the victims and potential victims of domestic abuse. While we are a shelter for victims of domestic abuse, most of our work is in providing advocacy and support as we help our clients break the cycle of violence.