HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. — On the evening of October 30, the community of Henderson County gathered in a spirit of generosity and compassion for Safelight’s annual Night of Hope gala—and the results were nothing short of extraordinary. By the end of the night, cheers and tears filled the room as the nonprofit announced it had met its $424,000 fundraising goal, securing funds to retire
organizational debt and expand forensic testing for survivors of abuse.
For those who know Safelight’s mission, the night marked far more than a financial milestone. It was a declaration of solidarity with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, human trafficking, and elder exploitation—proof that the Henderson County community stands united against interpersonal violence.
Meeting the Mission
For years, Safelight, Inc. has stood as a beacon of hope in western North Carolina, offering a continuum of care that includes crisis shelter, a 24-hour hotline, counseling, legal and medical advocacy, job training, sustainable housing, and prevention education.
The organization’s trauma-informed, survivor-centered approach ensures that individuals receive the immediate help they need and the long-term tools to rebuild their lives. Safelight’s programs reach hundreds of adults and children each year, offering not just safety, but dignity and empowerment.
“This was more than just a fundraiser,” said Lauren Wilkie, CEO of Safelight. “This was a community standing together to say, ‘We believe in healing. We believe in justice. And we believe in hope.’”
A Night to Remember
Held at the Blue Ridge Community College Conference Hall, the 2025 Night of Hope brought together a full house of supporters—survivors, business leaders, faith groups, civic partners, and longtime
advocates. The evening featured heartfelt storytelling, inspiring survivor testimonies, and moments of reflection that underscored Safelight’s mission.
As the final gifts and commitments came in, the room erupted when the total crossed the $424,000 mark. Guests rose to their feet in celebration, many embracing one another as tears of gratitude flowed freely.
“It was one of those moments you never forget,” said Board Chair Rafe Westbrook. “You could feel the power of community—every gift, every sponsor, every person in that room made a difference.”
Transforming the Future: From Debt to Growth
The funds raised during the Night of Hope will serve two crucial purposes. First, Safelight will retire its remaining debt, freeing the organization from financial constraints that limited growth and flexibility. With debt obligations lifted, more of Safelight’s annual budget can now go directly to programs and survivors rather than administrative overhead.
Second, a significant portion of the funds will expand forensic testing for survivors—a vital but often underfunded service that provides medical and legal documentation following incidents of assault or abuse.
“Forensic testing is a bridge between trauma and justice,” Lauren Wilkie explained. “By expanding this service, we can ensure that survivors have access to timely, compassionate, and professional care when they need it most.”
This investment will enable Safelight to strengthen partnerships with healthcare providers, law enforcement, and district attorneys, ensuring that survivors’ voices are heard and their cases are properly investigated.
Strategic Growth Through the Major Gifts Ramp-Up Model
Behind Safelight’s financial success is a disciplined approach to fundraising and mission advancement. The nonprofit has adopted the Major Gifts Ramp-Up (MGRU) fundraising model, a nationally
recognized system designed to help nonprofits strengthen donor relationships, grow sustainable revenue, and expand mission impact.
This Night of Hope marked Chapter 9 in Safelight’s ongoing implementation of the MGRU model—a milestone representing the organization’s increasing capacity to grow its donor base, elevate its message, and meet ambitious goals.
“The Major Gifts Ramp-Up model has transformed how we think about generosity,” Wilkie said. “It gives us a framework for long-term success—focusing on relationships, storytelling, and mission alignment rather than just transactions. Chapter 9 is proof that this approach works.”
Through the MGRU process, Safelight has expanded its network of major donors, strengthened its culture of philanthropy, and built the internal systems necessary for sustained financial health. The model has allowed the organization to not only meet immediate needs but to plan confidently for the future.
Honoring Leadership and Lifelong Service
The evening also included a special surprise for Safelight’s leader. In front of a standing ovation, CEO Lauren Wilkie was presented with the 2024 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, the nation’s highest honor for volunteer service.
Established by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, the award recognizes individuals who have contributed more than 4,000 hours of volunteer service to their communities.
Wilkie’s decades of leadership in advocacy, victim services, and nonprofit management have made her a cornerstone of Safelight’s success and a tireless champion for survivors across the region.
“Lauren’s dedication has transformed Safelight into a model of compassion and excellence,” said Board Chair Rafe Westbrook during the presentation. “Her heart for this work, her vision, and her belief in people’s ability to heal have changed countless lives.”
Visibly moved, Wilkie accepted the honor with characteristic humility. “This award belongs to all of us,” she said. “To every survivor who’s found the courage to seek help, to every volunteer who’s given their time, and to this community that refuses to turn away from pain—it’s an honor to serve alongside you.”
Stories of Courage and Renewal
Throughout the evening, survivors shared their personal journeys of escaping abuse and rebuilding their lives with Safelight’s help. One woman described how the shelter gave her and her children a safe place to start over. Another spoke about the counseling and job training that helped her regain confidence and independence.
Each story reinforced the importance of the organization’s work—and the real human impact behind every gift.
A Community United
The success of the Night of Hope was made possible by an outpouring of support from local sponsors, businesses, and individuals. Event sponsors underwrote costs so that nearly every dollar raised could go directly toward Safelight’s mission. Volunteers decorated tables, coordinated logistics, served meals, and welcomed guests with warmth and gratitude.
“The beauty of this event was how deeply personal it felt,” said Development Director Sarah Cole. “Every person there was part of something bigger than themselves—a shared commitment to helping others find safety and strength.”
Looking Ahead
With the Night of Hope’s goals achieved, Safelight begins a new chapter—financially stronger, operationally freer, and more equipped than ever to meet growing needs. The organization plans to complete its debt retirement within months, expand forensic services immediately, and continue to develop innovative programs for prevention and recovery.
“We’re not just ending debt,” Wilkie said. “We’re beginning a new era of hope.”
The momentum from the event is also helping Safelight build future partnerships and funding opportunities, ensuring the organization can continue to serve as a trusted refuge for survivors across western North Carolina.
A Legacy of Hope
The 2025 Night of Hope was more than a celebration—it was a turning point. The debt is being lifted, new services are expanding, and the community’s trust in Safelight has never been stronger.
In a world often overshadowed by hardship, Henderson County offered a different story that night—one of compassion, justice, and unwavering hope. And at the center of it all stood Safelight, shining brighter than ever.
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