Kings Community Action Organization's Barbara Saville Women's Shelter -- located at an inconspicuous Hanford facility where women victimized by domestic violence seek refuge -- was awarded a check for $505 Tuesday at an appreciation luncheon hosted by The Remington Gracious Retirement Living.

The retirement living facility for seniors on 11th Avenue in north Hanford hosted its yearly classic car show on June 29.

Scott Brown, enrichment coordinator/activity director for the facility, wanted the proceeds from the car show to benefit the women's shelter.

"This is a much needed check," said Tim O'Connell, deputy director at KCAO. "The funding from our government sources and grants do not cover nearly all the expenses that we have. We depend heavily on the community to help us with meeting the needs of this community."

"We were eager to benefit such a worthy organization," said John Weinstein, manager at The Remington.

The Barbara Saville Women's Shelter is the only emergency shelter in Kings County that helps women and their children who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or homelessness.

"These funds will be used to purchase things for the family when they first come in," said O'Connell. "It will help with such things as food, clothing and other things that they could not bring with them. We unfortunately sometimes have to turn people away because we don't have enough funding to cover everything that we need."

It's that very reason that prompted Brown to donate the proceeds from the annual car show, which featured 45 classic vehicles.

"I hate hearing about a woman or child being abused," said Brown. "I want to help them in any way that I can."

The Barbara Saville Women's Shelter is a 40-bed facility that is rarely at full capacity.

"We are not full because we don't have enough funding to be at the full 40," said O'Connell. "I would say at least half of the funding we need has to come from non-governmental grants in order to support the need that we have in Kings County."

The reporter can be reached at 583-2423.

(July 3, 2008)