NORTHBROOK, Ill., Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- The Allstate Foundation Economics Against Abuse Program (EAA) announced Charity Cars as the winner of a $100,000 grant through its ClickToEmpower campaign on http://www.clicktoempower.org/.
Charity Cars, which provides free vehicles and vehicle support to those in need, including domestic violence survivors, generated 46 percent of the total votes in the two month span of the campaign. Having launched on July 15, 2009, ClickToEmpower selected four national non-profits that share The Allstate Foundation's mission of working to end domestic violence and finding new ways to economically empower survivors. Participating organizations were Charity Cars, Family Justice Center Alliance, Safe Horizon and the YWCA.
"We're not only thrilled to have won the grant from The Allstate Foundation, but are honored to have been selected to participate in the campaign," said Brian Menzies of Charity Cars. "We thank everyone who supported the campaign and voted for our organization. This grant will go a long way in providing the economic support necessary to help victims leave abusive situations."
Competing organizations used grassroots techniques to encourage audiences to vote once a day until September 14, 2009 on the ClickToEmpower Web site or via the Facebook Fan Page. The organization with the most votes by the end of the campaign won the grand prize while the remaining three organizations each won a $10,000 grant.
With 305,000 total campaign votes, 141,206 of which were tallied for Charity Cars, The Allstate Foundation generated not only great awareness through social networking but created an open dialogue to break down the taboo around domestic violence. Campaign and social media results include:
-- 312,816 Web site visitors. -- 580 percent increase in Facebook Fans. -- 244,916 total votes were tallied via the ClickToEmpower Web site and 36,796 total votes via Facebook.
"The Allstate Foundation is truly amazed by the support of all of those who cast their vote for their favorite charity," said Jennifer Kuhn, Program Manager for The Allstate Foundation Economics Against Abuse Program. "We're thankful each organization was able to showcase their unique mission and support in ending domestic violence. This campaign really rallied the online community and we hope to keep this momentum going and continue our pursuit of economically empowering survivors."
ClicktoEmpower.org was created by The Allstate Foundation to address how economic abuse can impact the personal safety and financial security of domestic violence victims and their families. This awareness building Web site provides information and support through a number of initiatives and a platform to raise awareness for domestic violence and economic empowerment.
About The Allstate Foundation
Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation . Allstate and The Allstate Foundation sponsor community initiatives to promote "safe and vital communities;" "tolerance, inclusion, and diversity;" and "economic empowerment." The Allstate Foundation believes in the financial potential of every individual and in helping America's families achieve their American dream. For additional information, visit http://www.clicktoempower.org/.
About the Economics Against Abuse Program
The Allstate Foundation created the Economics Against Abuse Program to help domestic violence survivors overcome economic challenges and lead financially independent lives, free from abuse. Through a partnership with the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the program provides a network of financial resources, including a comprehensive financial empowerment curriculum; funds direct services, including education and job training assistance; and spreads the word on how to empower those touched by domestic and economic abuse. For more information and to find out how to help, visit http://www.clicktoempower.org/.
Charity Cars
The original 1-800-Charity Cars provides free vehicles and vehicle support services to domestic violence survivors all across America. Reliable transportation empowers victims to leave their abusers and is a major factor in the success or failure of survivors transitioning to self-sufficiency. For more information on Charity Cars visit http://www.freecharitycars.org/
The Allstate Foundation
CONTACT: Kyle Donash of The Allstate Foundation, +1-847-402-7893,
kdonb@allstate.com
Web Site: http://www.clicktoempower.org/
