Congratulations to St. Peter’s, Altavista, for winning the Outstanding Philanthropic Organization Award from the local chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

St. Peter’s has made a significant donation (about $100,000) toward the construction of Frannie’s House, a shelter for victims of domestic violence in Campbell County. In addition, members of the diocese also helped support the construction effort through the 2006 St. Nicholas Day envelope appeal which raised an additional $20,000.

Currently victims of domestic violence in the Altavista area of Campbell County must travel an hour away as far as Danville or Bedford, away from their jobs, their support networks and the schools their children attend. Each year, about 50 victims of domestic violence in Campbell County seek refuge from potentially dangerous situations. 

The origins of St. Peter's seed money are from "Project 75," a venture of the 75th Annual Council in 1992. Each parish was given $75-- one dollar for each year of life together as a church of this diocese-- with the stipulation that the money be spent in a way that reflects the parish's common life as God's people.

According to longtime parishioner Temple Powell, St. Peter's first used their seed money as a basis for fundraising for a full-time priest. Over the years, the $75 grew to $90,000 from investment growth and parishioners' continued gifts. 

St. Peter's rector, the Rev. Karen Joy Kelly, said that the church has partnered with the YWCA to run the shelter.

"The congregation did an amazing job of discernment... by spending the money in a way that benefits the community, they have tied its use back to scripture," said Kelly.