One night in -- and Gilliland is going strong at Sleep Out
As of 8 a.m. today, 15 hours into the third annual Great Sleep Out Against Domestic Violence event, RCCS attorney Edith Gilliland is going strong.
Gilliland and five other competitors climbed aboard their mattresses at 5 p.m. on Thursday to settle in for what could be a long next few days.
Gilliland is the only Sleep Out veteran of the group, staying awake last year for 62 hours. She raised more money for the local DV Shelter than any other entrant last year.
"It got a bit chilly last night, but that just helps keep you awake," Gilliland said this morning, enjoying a cup of hot black coffee. "Let's be real. It got cold."
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.
Those wishing to donate to Gilliland's efforts can message or call her at 419-982-0606. "Donations can be big or small ... I love them all," she said. "And they are tax deductible."
You can follow her efforts on her Facebook page and also on Twitter at @eg_sleepout.
