By HEAL Staff Writer Jessica Martinez
Help End Abuse for Life (HEAL), the umbrella organization that operates the Nest, Lincoln County’s first and only domestic violence shelter, recently sold tickets for a vacation raffle to raise funds for the shelter, where almost 900 survivors and children were served in 2015.
HEAL Board Members began selling raffle tickets at the Savor the Flavor event which took place in February. At Savor the Flavor, attendees indulged in an eight-course gourmet meal with wine pairings prepared by eight local chefs. Tickets were also sold at the raffle drawing on July 1st at the Turf Club at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino.
“Tim Keithley and the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino were very generous in their support of hosting the drawing for the raffle,” said HEAL Board Member Rhonda Vincent. “We have always appreciated the generosity of the Hubbard family and organization.”
Keithly made raffle announcements during the races throughout the day. Not only did the race track provide a venue for the raffle drawing at the Turf Club, they offered a wonderful lunch buffet for all raffle ticket holders who chose to be present for the drawing. The third race of the day was named “Thanks for your support of HEAL.”
“We would also like to extend our gratitude to ENMU for providing marketing materials, as well as Ski Ruidoso Ski Shop, The Flying J Chuckwagon, Josie’s Framery, Zocca Coffee and Albertson’s for partnering with us to help sell raffle tickets,” said board chair Sheri Rodgers. “It literally takes a village, with individual and business partners, to help keep the doors of the shelter open.”
The raffle winner, Sandy Tubb, graciously chose a 50-50 cash option, providing a larger yield of proceeds for The Nest.
Tubb grew up in Texas and spent most of her adult life in California, Los Angeles and San Francisco. She moved to Lincoln County last November after her mother passed away in Midland, Texas.
“I came for the scenery and cooler weather, but fell in love with the locals and plan on staying here till they carry me out feet first,” Tubb joked. “And I just absolutely love the history here and the idea of living in the area where Billy the Kid once roamed.”
Tubb purchased the raffle tickets because she has personally seen the effects of domestic violence. “I have seen far too many women in abusive environments and know how important it is for them to have a safe place to go with their children and pets. I have seen how situations can escalate from verbal to horrific physical abuse including the deaths of both children and women,” she explained. “I bought the raffle tickets because I feel so strongly about providing a safe space for women to get back on their feet mentally, emotionally, and physically to essentially regain their sense of self. I believe the Nest provides a place where they can do that.”
As a new golfer, Tubb also gathered a team to play at the charity golf tournament, The Deacon Bob Open on August 6th at the Inn of the Mountain Gods championship golf course. “I will probably be the last one on the course and I may have search and rescue out looking for me somewhere around the fourth hole,” Tubb joked. “I will support the Nest in whatever ways I can.”
“Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to every single person who either purchased a ticket, or made a donation to HEAL and the Nest,” said Rodgers. “In a community of this size, it is amazing to see how people are willing to extend their hands out to help women and children who have fled abusive situations make a better life for themselves.”