This is a story of the two little pigs, Hope and Faith. You might be asking yourself, “What in the world do two pigs have to do with HEAL and The Nest domestic violence shelter?”
Hope and Faith, who are two very large ceramic pigs, as in piggy banks, adorned with Nest insignia, are making a difference by helping to raise awareness about one of our most important pervasive problems – domestic violence. They are the centerpieces of a fundraising program started by former HEAL board members Lynn Myers and her husband, Mike.
The Myers have long been dedicated volunteers at the Nest and shared firm convictions when it comes to survivors and their children. One might say they have adopted the Nest and anyone associated with it.
The goal of Hope and Faith is to raise money to fund domestic violence awareness and education programs for adults and children across Lincoln County.
“It was just an idea that we had. We travel a lot, all over the state, and we thought it would be a good way to raise awareness and funds in communities that we visit,” said Lynn Myers.
Their first pig, Hope, was adopted from Mexican restaurant Casa de Suenos in Tularosa. Now, instead of keeping hours at the restaurant, she hit the road with the Myers family as they traveled across New Mexico.
One day, while passing through Tularosa, the Myers learned the owner of Casa de Suenos was so charmed by the idea of Hope the Fundraising Pig that he decided to keep his own, named Faith, as a regular feature of his restaurant. Together, the pigs have already attracted quite a following because they offer a message that is all too easily forgotten.
Myers said, “Faith and Hope go a long way to raise awareness on their own. We chose to name them Faith and Hope because we wanted to focus on a positive message – it is important for survivors to know it is going to get better. We want to give them faith and hope so they can see that their futures hold something bright.”
The pigs are gradually filling up, leaving the Myers family excited for the future of the program. “Hope is filled to the point that I’m almost having trouble carrying her around,” said Myers, laughing. “Faith feels like she’s about half-way full. Once we get the pigs filled up, we will send them off to The Nest, and then we will go back to Tularosa to get another one.”
Together, Lynn and Mike Myers are spreading the message of optimism they hold so dearly, helping those in need and making their own, personal contributions to a community they love so much.
Pictured are Lynn & Mike Myers with Hope & Faith, their Fundraising Pigs.
