SAVE to host holiday fundraiser

WALLACE –– The Silver Valley’s spirit of generosity is unrivaled. Each year, families across the region donate thousands of dollars to ensure none of their neighbors go without.  

Each year, Shoshone County’s SAVE Coalition partners with the Fainting Goat in Wallace for a holiday social that doubles as a fundraiser benefitting area families. 

Tara Lodi with SAVE explained that the Fainting Goat donates 25% of the proceeds from the event to the organization, which then leans on the help of the local school and medical counselors to determine a list of area families in need.  

“Last year we were able to help seven families in need,” Lodi said. “We rely on our counselors to help identify individuals/families that are really struggling. It was extremely well received and overwhelmingly rewarding for those of us involved.”  

The Silver Valley has several programs that do similar things for area kids and families during the holidays, but those programs tend to be applicant-based, which can come with unintended consequences.  

“I love all of the programs we have here locally,” Lodi said. “I don’t think anyone is being taken advantage of, but I do think there are people out there who may be embarrassed or prideful, who won’t ask for help. With our event, we show up and raise money. We don’t necessarily know the people that the money is being spent on, we trust the recommendations of our local counselors.”  

The program is designed to purchase both wants and needs for the family.  

“A lot of people would be thrilled to have a bill covered for them, but we want to make sure that they get something nice, that brings them joy during the holidays,” Lodi said.  

The SAVE Coalition (Support, Action, Volunteerism, Education) focused on the increasing concerns of child abuse, domestic violence, and other tragic events in the Silver Valley. Their mission is to “strengthen resilience and to reduce the impact of suicide, domestic violence, child abuse/neglect and other tragic events through support, action, volunteerism and education. 

The S.A.V.E. Coalition’s Social and Holiday Fundraiser is Sunday, December 1, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fainting Goat in Wallace.  

For more information, visit the Shoshone County SAVE Coalition Facebook page.