Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Challenge® Raises Nearly $3.1 Million for Domestic Violence Survivors

NORTHBROOK, Ill., Oct. 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 160 nonprofits banded together as part of the Allstate Foundation Purple Purse® Challenge, and through online donations and grants, to date raised nearly $3.1 million for domestic violence survivors across the country. The effort coincided with National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, a key fundraising time for domestic violence programs.

One in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. In 98 percent of cases, victims will suffer from financial abuse, which means their abusers will deny them access to money and financial resources. The Challenge is part of the Allstate Foundation Purple Purse campaign to help domestic violence survivors achieve long-term safety and security through financial empowerment.

During this year's Challenge, nonprofits engaged in a friendly competition to see which organization could raise the most funding, with the winner taking home a $100,000 grand prize. In total, The Allstate Foundation contributed $550,000 in sweepstake and contest prizes to encourage donations.

Challenge participants knocked on doors, enlisted support from mayors and college students, hosted walk/runs and dinners to drive donations. At the contest's end, Wings Program, Inc. based in Palatine, Ill. topped the leader board in funding raised and won the Foundation's grand prize. Nineteen runners-up received prize money ranging from $2,000-$75,000.

"The outpouring of support from our Challenge participants and the public helped make this year's Challenge a success," said Vicky Dinges, senior vice president, corporate responsibility, Allstate Insurance Company. "It's incredibly gratifying to know the funds we raised together will provide life-saving services for victims and their families. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a difference in the lives of women around our country."

On an average day last year, nearly 11,000 requests for emergency shelter, legal counsel and other services went unanswered due to a lack of funding at domestic violence nonprofits nationwide. The public can continue to support survivors by purchasing Purple Purse charms for $10, with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting local nonprofits. Allstate Foundation Purple Purse ambassador Kerry Washington's limited-edition purse is also on sale, with part of the proceeds also going to nonprofits. More information is located on PurplePurse.com.

Following are the top 10 winners of this year's Purple Purse Challenge:

If you or someone you know is in a domestic violence situation, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224.

About The Allstate Foundation:
Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL). Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country, The Allstate Foundation brings the relationships, reputation and resources of Allstate to support innovative and lasting solutions that enhance people's well-being and prosperity. With a focus on building financial independence for domestic violence survivors, empowering youth and celebrating the charitable community involvement of Allstate agency owners and employees, The Allstate Foundation works to bring out the good in people's lives. For more information, visit www.AllstateFoundation.org.

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SOURCE The Allstate Foundation