Owensboro, Kentucky Family Raising Money and Awareness to Save Lives
The Dunn family in Owensboro raised money to make a Safe Haven Baby Box a reality in Daviess County. For some families, the only option is to abandon their baby, and this will provide a safe place for those unable to raise a child. Check out their unique way of fundraising, and you'll be inspired to give back too!
I had bad endometriosis growing up and wasn't able to conceive or carry a child. Some days the pain it caused was so severe that after consulting with my doctor, it was decided the best course of action would be a hysterectomy. I was only in my mid-thirties, but I still wanted to be a mom and started thinking about adoption. I found the adoption process difficult, so it wasn't meant to be. Safe Haven Baby Boxes are important to bless families with the child they've always wanted. Last month, the Bowling Green Fire Department found a precious baby left in a Safe Haven Baby Box. They work and save lives. #Blessing
WHAT IS A SAFE HAVEN BABY BOX?
The first Safe Haven Baby Box was implemented in 2016, and after that, many more went up all over the United States. This resulted in many babies nationwide being surrendered and kept safe. The Safe Haven Baby Box organization staffs a 24-hour hotline (1-866-99BABY1).
"A Baby Box is a safety device provided for under state’s Safe Haven Law and legally permits a mother in crisis to safely, securely, and anonymously surrender if they are unable to care for their newborn. A Baby Box is installed in an exterior wall of a designated fire station or hospital. It has an exterior door that automatically locks upon placement of a newborn inside the Baby Box, and an interior door that allows a medical staff member to secure the surrendered newborn from inside the designated building."
OWENSBORO GETS A SAFE HAVEN BABY BOX
While Muhlenberg County and Bowling Green both have Safe Haven Baby Boxes, Owensboro does not. Until now, thanks to the Dunn family. Wesley and Julie Dunn, along with their three children, Lillie, Elliot, and Jesse wanted to bring a Safe Haven Baby Box to Owensboro. They knew it would take a substantial amount of money to happen. The Dunn family are up-and-coming artists, so Lillie, Elliot, and Jesse decided to sell their art pieces to raise money. What happened next was a beautiful miracle!
Elliot grabbed some sketch paper, pencils, and crayons, and went to work.
Lillie was creative with drawing flowers, princesses, and cute animals.
Even at such a young age, Jesse grabbed his markers and did a great job!
In all, they created nearly 120 pieces of art to sell for the fundraiser. What was the outcome after all of that hard work? Their proud momma took to social media to announce the total amount raised.
"I am so happy to share that Lillie, Elliot, and Jesse’s art sale for the Safe Haven Baby Box raised $8,000!!!
EIGHT. THOUSAND. DOLLARS.
Large donations, small donations, and everything in between MAKE A DIFFERENCE! THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart, for your outpouring of generosity to make this box available here in Owensboro.
Here, Lillie, Elliot, and Jesse are meeting with the Right to Life of Owensboro director, Stacey Davis, in front of Fire Station 1 on 9th Street where the box will be installed. She has been in conversation with the Safe Haven Baby Boxes organization to let them know full payment will be heading their way! (Stacey, thank you for bringing awareness of this box to our community and for spearheading fundraising efforts!!!) Funds will cover box construction, shipping, and installation. Any additional money received will be designated for annual safety and maintenance checks of the box. The projected installation and completion is June 2023!
Our work has only just begun… to help parents in distress and save babies’ lives, the next piece is AWARENESS."
Their dad chimed in and shared his pride and excitement.
"An 8-year-old girl hears something on the radio...asks good questions for understanding and clarity...becomes burdened by what she now knows...can't shake the burden and decides to do something about it...asks her brothers to jump in with her in the task...blows her parents' expectations out of the water! Saying they have some proud parents over here is a major understatement."
Right to Life had already raised almost $9,000, so the $8,000 was added to introduce our first Safe Haven Baby Box. We can't thank this beautiful family enough for caring about the community and for helpless babies born across the county! Let's give them all a round of applause.
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