The recent May Day Celebration at Sacred Sparks in East Jordan generated a substantial donation of non-perishable goods for the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM) Safe Home; as well as financial contributions. Pictured accepting the donation are (from left) Chris Krajewski, WRCNM domestic and sexual assault program director; Jerry Aydlott and Linda Beers Aydlott of Sacred Sparks; and Deb Smith, WRCNM assistant director.

For more than a decade, Linda Beers Aydlott and Jerry Aydlott , co-owners of Sacred Sparks in East Jordan, have been involved in organizing and hosting the May Day Celebration which features music, food, vendors and activities. The Aydlotts said the annual event recognizes the arrival of spring in Northern Michigan and is a day of positive, happy energy that hopefully radiates outward into the community and beyond. Exemplifying that positive energy is the non-perishable goods and financial donations collected as admission to the event to benefit the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM) Safe Home. Vendors also donated a percentage of their sales. The Aydlotts were pleased with the car loads of non-perishable goods collected for survivors utilizing Safe Home services, as well as financial contributions of more than $450. Women’s Center staff said they are grateful for the support from event organizers, attendees, vendors and the live bands that donate their time and talent.

Last year alone, the Safe Home provided a secure, caring and supportive residence for 119 domestic abuse survivors and their children in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet and Otsego counties.  An additional 588 survivors were provided support, counseling and advocacy services.  For more information or support call the WRCNM 24-hour crisis and information line at (231) 347-0082 or (800) 275-1995 for long distance callers