Grace Smith House Brings In Over $4,000 In Wacky Fundraiser

MID-HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Grace Smith House is marking milestones in wacky ways as it works to raise money for victims of domestic violence, and on Wednesday, it celebrated 50 donors with a "weird Walkway walk" featuring two staffers clad in giant animal heads.

Grace Smith House has remained open throughout the pandemic, providing housing and support to victims of domestic violence, and it's now asking the community for its help.

"When you make your tax-deductible donation to Grace Smith House, you're improving the lives of families experiencing domestic violence in our own backyards," the organization said in an email to supporters Wednesday.

The fundraiser coincides with Hudson Valley Gives, an annual initiative that raises money for charitable organizations in the valley. Hudson Valley Gives is a collaboration of the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan, United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region and the Mid Hudson Valley Chapter of Association of Fundraising Professional.

“We hope through this focused day of giving on May 18th that our Mid-Hudson Valley community will learn about and be supportive of the participating charities,” remarked Jeannie Montano, President & CEO of United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region.

While the 24-hour online fundraising event was held on May 18, Grace Smith House's efforts continue.

The organization announced that if 75 donors gave to the fundraiser, Marjorie Smith, longtime local champion for domestic violence victims, would play cymbals on the Walkway for confused bystanders.

"One of our brave board members is going to play the cymbals. In public. She’s never played the cymbals before, but she’s not going to let that stop her," according to Grace Smith House's website.

Luckily, the fundraiser had 87 donors as of Thursday morning. Here's hoping a video of that impromptu performance is posted soon.

When the fundraiser hits 100 donors, the organization's executive director will let her colleagues dye her hair purple and style it however they want. According to the website, she will wear that hairstyle all day, no matter how crazy.

Grace Smith House recently hit its first milestone: 25 donors. To celebrate, staffers performed some virtual karaoke. Below, you'll find a video of five Grace Smith House staffers dancing it out and belting Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive."

The fundraiser is still working toward its goal of 100 donors. Click here to join the ranks of its donors.