News release from Center for Family Justice:
Alan Masarek, an avid bicyclist and Co-Chair of The Empower House, www.EmpowerhouseProject.org fundraising drive, is cycling 3,800 miles as a pledge challenge benefiting the newly acquired double-sized The Center for Family Justice (CFJ) safehouse, currently under renovation.
Masarek, who is riding alongside 20 bicyclists in the Trek Bicycle “Bucket List” trip, which commenced on August 18th in Portland, Oregon, decided to structure his ride as a fundraising campaign. He hopes to generate enough corporate sponsorships and donations on his EmpowerRide to close a 40% fundraising gap in the 3.5 million dollar project. His trip ends on October 3rd in Portland, Maine.
His itinerary and progress will be tracked on the EmpowerRide page at http://www.empowerride.org/. Donors can sponsor him with a $100.00 per mile pledge or make donations in any amount. Masarek’s daily cycling adventures will be posted on CFJ’s social media sites.
During Covid in 2020, domestic violence grew by 40% in the region, causing a critical shortage of housing for victims seeking refuge. With plans to open in 2022, the new safehouse will provide temporary housing and support services to domestic violence and human trafficking victims primarily from Bridgeport, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, Trumbull and Easton.
Debra Greenwood, President and CEO at The Center for Family Justice said, “Talk about going the extra mile! Alan is going the extra 3,800 miles! He’s pedaling to protect victims of domestic violence and we are blessed to have him as co-chair of our Empower House fundraising team.”
The Bridgeport-based nonprofit The Center for Family Justice, located at 735 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, celebrates its 126th Anniversary this year. Those needing emergency housing and support services should call the Center’s hotline at 203-384-9559 for immediate help. www.EmpowerhouseProject.org
