The Border Town Betties, a pinup social club with a nose for community service, raised more than $4,500 during a Pinup Pub Crawl. This week, Betties officer Caroline Routley delivered the funds to the Center Against Sexual Domestic Abuse, where it will be put to the agency’s needs.
“We write grant applications for sums like that. We plan our annual golf tournament and annual New Year’s Eve gala to raise a similar number of dollars. It’s flabbergasting,” said Jill Hinners, CASDA community engagement coordinator.
CASDA provides support services for those hurt by sexual assault, child abuse, domestic violence. Some of the nonprofit’s needs include mini fridges for shelter bedrooms, rental assistance, relocation expenses and car repairs.
Survivors often start from nothing when they move into safe and affordable housing, Hinners said, and the funds will certainly go to “those first steps toward a fresh start.”
This is one of a small number of donations CASDA has received like this. “We are so thankful because we know it takes a whole community to make that positive social change for a better future,” she added.
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The Sept. 14 pub crawl was bigger than the Betties anticipated.
The group — made up of about 20 members led by Routley and Becky Scherf of Superior — organized this spring. They hosted the Superior Dragon Boat Festival pancake breakfast, several pinup contests and vintage hair and makeup tutorials. Pinup is an attention-grabbing platform, Routley said, and the group’s mission is service to the community and empowering women.
They saw a good turnout of about 70, Routley said, and they made more money than they expected.
About $2,000 are from ticket sales. The remainder was from event sponsors, funds the group received from the pancake breakfast, and T-shirt and raffle sales.
Next up for the Betties is a cameo in the Superior Spooktacular parade Oct. 26.
Of pinup, Routley said she’s heard the costuming can be seen as vain, but it’s about so much more than makeup. “We want to make a difference in the community, but the true reward is in seeing people grow and love themselves more.”
More info: https://casda.org/ , facebook.com/bordertownbetties
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What: Border Town Betties group meetings
When: 7 p.m. Mondays
Where: Capri Bar, 1224 Tower Ave, Superior
