The mission of the Mary Elizabeth Waller Foundation is to support organizations dedicated to promoting institutional and social change in the prevention of domestic violence and child abuse. Further, the Foundation will contribute to centers that offer legal assistance to mothers and children who are victims of abuse and domestic violence.

Domestic violence is a huge problem . . . it is not gender, race, age, class, or economically driven . . . it is an increasing epidemic. Unfortunately, 4 million women experience a serious assault by an intimate partner in an average 12-month period. Only one-seventh of all domestic assaults come to the attention of the police. Anytime a mother is abused, her children are also affected. Domestic violence is a sickness and victims need to be empowered and educated to help themselves.

To date, the Board members of the Mary Elizabeth Waller Foundation have elected to support the following organizations:

• Sarah’s Inn:
  • $25,000     2004
  • $20,000     2005
  • $25,000     2006
• Southwest Women Working Together:    
  • $25,000     2007
• Chicago Bulls Kids Night Out:
  • $2,000       2005     Benefiting Lawrence Hall Youth Services
  • $2,000       2006     Benefiting Lawrence Hall Youth Services
• Lawrence Hall Youth Services
  • $25,000 Donation to Programs dedicated to Therapeutic Recreation and Expressive Therapies using creativity to help victims of domestic violence work through their painful pasts

Combined we have donated $124,000 since inception. Depending on the success of our Fifth Annual Fundraiser, we anticipate donating additional funds in 2007. We are currently reviewing organizations under consideration.