FOCUS to host wine fundraiser

Hannah Gross 
NLJ Correspondent 
 
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and there’s no time like the present to get involved. You can do just that at the first annual wine-pull fundraiser for FOCUS, Inc., a nonprofit organization that assists victims of domestic abuse. The event will start at 4 p.m. on Nov. 20 at the Pizza Barn and continue until the wine runs out. To make things interesting, Executive Director Stacie Hoxie said that each bottle will be wrapped so participants can’t see what’s inside. The cost is $20 per bottle, but according to Hoxie, some of the wines are valued up to $100. Buyers will have their choice of dry or sweet wine. 
FOCUS normally raises money through summer donkey races and the annual pie auction, but because both of those events were canceled and the organization experienced budget cuts due to COVID-19, a lot of revenue was lost. And that’s where the idea for the wine-pull came in. 
“We have to find a way to supplement that income,” Hoxie said. 
The goal is to raise $1,000. Although that doesn’t come close to the income they’ve lost, Hoxie said, it will help. In addition to the wine, the event will feature a silent auction with a variety of baskets, including a kid’s basket, a wine basket and packages for a night in Deadwood. Organizers are still working on getting more donations, but those who want to see what the group has so far or who are interested in donating either more wine or a basket can stop in the office. 
“We’re still taking donations,” Hoxie said. 
Invitations will be sent soon, and the event will also be held on Facebook live so that those who can’t attend can still participate. 
Having been a victim of domestic violence herself, Hoxie said that working for FOCUS is a way she can “give back to the community.”  
“Weston County is really important to me, and it’s home,” she said. 
She encourages the community to keep Domestic Violence Awareness Month in mind, and if they ever see or suspect anything, to give FOCUS a call so they can help. FOCUS has a 24-hour hotline, as well as part- and full-time staff members and volunteers. Even if FOCUS can’t help victims directly, the organization can lead them to agencies that can. 
“This is vital to Weston County,” Hoxie said. 
If you’d like to know more about FOCUS or are interested in donating something to the fundraiser, drop by the office at 204 W. Main. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or call 746-2748. 
“I want to see our community thrive,” Hoxie said.