February's Nonprofit Spotlight is SafeHouse Center for our 9th Annual Jelly Bean Jump Up!

SafeHouse Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide safety, support, advocacy and resources for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and their children, and to work relentlessly to change the systems and attitudes that allow this abuse to continue.

We began our Jelly Bean Jump Up fundraiser in support of this crucial organization in 2016 as a way to honor the life of Jelly Bean, a sweet corgi companion that belonged to one of our Zingerman’s founders, Ari Weinzweig. Ari wanted to do something special to work through the grief of losing his pup of 17 years and felt that giving back to this amazing nonprofit that he and Jelly Bean used to often go running past would be a great way to recognize her by doing something positive. Over the years, we’ve added all sorts of fun elements to the fundraiser such as a dog photoshoot and dog calendar, but our core mission has remained the same – supporting SafeHouse Center so that they are able to support survivors in our community.

Check out our virtual silent auction which will end March 5th at 8:30pm EST. Tons of great products from Zingerman’s and other great organizations and people around the country. All proceeds benefit SafeHouse Center! Some items can be shipped nationwide, while others will be for pickup in Ann Arbor.

Donate directly to SafeHouse Center


Details

Events to support Jelly Bean Jump Up

Jelly Bean Jump Up Roadhouse Special Fundraiser Dinner with Vermont Butter
March 5, 2024
7:00 pm –9:00 pm

Our 9th Annual Jelly Bean Jump Up special dinner, benefitting SafeHouse Center, will feature dishes made with beautiful, rich cultured butter from Vermont Creamery. We invite you to enjoy a superb meal and a warm, supportive gathering that will be the crème de la crème of our new event season. We are thrilled to welcome Vermont Creamery Allison Hooper to share the story of her business and her incredible butter. The mission of Vermont Creamery is very much in alignment with the food philosophy of Zingerman’s, and also captures the spirit of Jelly Bean Jump Up. Since 1984, the Creamery has consciously crafted delicious dairy, made from high-quality ingredients, while supporting local farms and their community. Their goal is to make products that taste extraordinary, while spending equal energy on making a positive impact on the world. With their time and commitment to working with local dairy farms and the cultivation process, Vermont Creamery has created a butter that is super creamy, complex, and flavorful—a better butter. One of their dairy farmers, Miles Hooper, says: “We embrace the notion of terroir… It starts with the soil, take care of your land and it will take care of you…” Jelly Bean Jump Up is also focused on tending to the terroir of our community, and nurturing the soil so that organizations like SafeHouse Center can provide advocacy to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Washtenaw County. SafeHouse Center is committed to the empowerment of survivors and the cultivation of social change, and Zingerman’s is humbled and honored to support them in their efforts. Join us and Vermont Creamery while we showcase their butter on an unforgettable menu at the 9th Annual Jelly Bean Jump Up, and help us raise awareness and funds for Ann Arbor’s SafeHouse Center. This special event will also include a silent auction, featuring items from local community partners.


What resources does SafeHouse Center provide?

SafeHouse Center serves over 6000 survivors and their children annually in Washtenaw County and does everything from providing temporary housing to survivors of sexual assault and intimate domestic violence who are in danger of being hurt or killed, to crisis intervention and support, legal advocacy, support groups, and emergency response. They take hundreds of calls on their 24/7 helpline to help talk survivors through their options. They also do advocacy and work to lead the community towards systemic changes so that assaults on women and children do not continue to be as staggeringly high. They provide an environment of dignity, safety, and support so that survivors are able to seek justice and a brighter future.

How does one seek out those resources?

You can visit their website at SafeHouseCenter.org for more information or call their 24/7 HelpLine at 734-995-5444. (If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.)

How to support SafeHouse Center?

You can donate online at SafeHouseCenter.org/JellyBeanJumpUp (or by clicking the button above!) But there are many ways to donate on their main website.

You may also drop off NEW items such as mattresses, clothing, personal and household items, toys, and more. You can find an up to date wishlist on their website as well as ways to have Amazon products sent right to them or ways to donate furniture. If you have questions, please call 734-973-0242 ext 273 so that survivors are able to seek justice and a brighter future.

Volunteers are always needed as well. They have two options of either Direct Services or Non-Direct Services. Direct Service programs mean working directly with survivors and their children. There are many positions available to apply for on their website.

You can also donate cash in person at most Zingerman's businesses and Probility locations throughout February, as well as 'rounding-up' at the register at Plum Market from March 18th-March 24th!

Or check out our Jelly Bean Jump Up silent auction which will be beginning virtually in late February and wrapping up at our Zingerman's Roadhouse fundraiser dinner on March 5th. Details to come!

More info about Jelly Bean Jump Up

Zingerman's has been honored to work with the community and many other partners such as Plum Market, Probility, Dollar Bill Printing, Old National Bank, Shoreline Salmon, Vermont Butter, and Tito's Vodka to name a few, on this tremendous fundraiser. We're so grateful for the support over the years. Though the funding doesn't go towards dogs, the theme of our canine friends has made it a special and fun event, bringing together the idea of comfort and safety that many of us get from our pets, similar to the hopeful work that SafeHouse does to protect so many.

If you haven't purchased a Jelly Bean Jump Up calendar yet, the 2024 edition is available at most Zingerman's businesses. They're packed with adorable dog photos! If you have questions about getting a calendar, please email [email protected]. All proceeds from calendars go directly to SafeHouse Center!

Donate directly to SafeHouse Center