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Circus, carnival supports those seeking relief from domestic violence

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Sarah and Tino Templer were super excited for lions, tigers, bears and more as they waited for the circus to begin at the Ronan fairgrounds on Saturday. 

“Elsa’s going to be on the trapeze,” Sarah, 7, said in quiet reverence of an aerialist she had seen at another show and venue. 

Tino wanted to see animals. 

“Tigers are pretty cool,” the 9-year-old said, wide eyed. 

The duo were tasked with manning the petting zoo, one of the many attractions in a carnival put together and sponsored by local volunteers and businesses to help bring people out to the event. 

Sarah said she had ponies galore available for petting, but whispered a warning that the two donkeys could be a “little crazy.” Tino wasn’t as excited about the animals. 

“It want to do the balloon darts,” he said. “I’ve done that one before.” 

It was a day of fabulous fun and almost mandatory lemonade as the thermometer pushed toward the triple digits, but support for the show was fantastic, according to SAFE Harbor Director DeeAnn Richardson. 

The event raised about $7,000 for the organization.

“We couldn’t do it without the support of our many volunteers,” Richardson said. “We have six people on staff. There is no way we could do this by ourselves.”

Twenty percent of the proceeds from the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus shows and all of the proceeds from the carnival go to a markedly less jolly cause: providing for legal services for victims of domestic abuse. 

“Our legal team helps get restraining orders, goes to legal appointments, things like that,” Richardson said. 

The organization hopes grants will come available this fall to help pay for the legal team, but until then, every penny helps. Richardson said the carnival is a fun way to bring in funds and engage families in a wholesome activity. 

“It’s a great way for our client’s families to have fun,” Richardson said.

(See all photos at www.valleyjournal.net) 

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