Edith Gilliland will represent agency at annual Great Sleep Out Against Domestic Violence
Edith Gilliland, manager of the Richland County Children Services legal department, will again represent the agency in the third annual Great Sleep Out Against Domestic Violence.
Edith and six other contestants will take to their respective mattresses Thursday at 5 p.m. under a 60-foot tent, each hoping to raise money -- and be the last one to stay awake. Last year's event went more than 63 hours before the Sheriff's Department earned victory.
Gilliland, who lasted 62 hours, raised the most money of any contestants last year.
"I am so thankful for all of the support and encouragement last year," Gilliland said. "The Facebook messages, check-ins, visits and offers to bring me food and drink are truly what kept me going to make it to 62 hours!"
Raising awareness of domestic violence is the goal of the event, held under a 60-foot tent in the parking lot of Johnny’s Mattress and Furniture Superstore on Ashland Road.
Organizers hope to raise $50,000 with the help of a federal matching funds grant Congress passed this year for domestic violence shelters. Last year, the event raised $25,000 for the local DV Shelter.
