At Splendido restaurant, as part of last week’s Beaver Creek Wine and Spirits Festival, Bright Future Foundation (BFF) announced the launch of the Building Freedom Campaign and a $1 million donation by dedicated BFF board member Doe Browning.
Browning took the initiative and pledged the lead gift that launched the $2 million capital campaign to build a new home for families fleeing domestic violence and abuse in Eagle County. The capital campaign is scheduled for next year with construction expected to begin in late 2018.
“As our community endeavors to provide affordable housing, Bright Future Foundation hopes to build a shelter in the purest form for any and all who seek safety, counsel and healing in the wake of extraordinarily difficult circumstances,” said Browning. “Our shelter will bring dignity back to many who suffer, enabling them to live, work and play in our beautiful valley with trust and without fear.”
Browning’s pledge represents the single largest donation to Bright Future since the organization’s inception more than 30 years ago.
“Doe spurred us on to proceed with this campaign with her enormously generous contribution,” said BFF Board President Lisa Tyler. “We are a grassroots organization serving the critical needs of our community, and Doe’s commitment puts us on the path to freedom for our clients.”
Since 2002, BFF, in partnership with Eagle County government, has operated a shelter that is home to 21 women and children who are fleeing dangerous situations; however, the lease at the current location will end in December of 2018. The new home with serve roughly the same number of occupants but will afford families more privacy and security. Additional amenities will include common meeting and learning areas and a playground for children.
“Doe’s care, concern and largesse to the Bright Future Foundation will ensure safety, security and long-term healing for the most vulnerable families in our community for years to come,” said BFF Executive Director Sheri Mintz.
“But we still have a long way to go,” added Mintz. “Over the next year, we will be reaching out to members of the community to voice the support for safety and freedom from domestic violence and abuse. Our goal of $2 million will go directly toward the development and construction of the needed shelter.”
BFF would like to issue special thanks to members of the Bright Future dinner committee: Doe Browning, Cindy Engles, Lissa Tyler, Sharon Dennis, Deborah Wittman and Karen Nern.
