DURHAM, NC (March 29, 2010)— Friends of Cary murder victim Nancy Cooper first created a fund in her honor in April 2009.  Her friends now want to expand the fund’s presence statewide.  “We asked the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCCADV) to manage Nancy’s Butterfly Fund so that we can have a broader impact to assist victims and raise awareness across the state,” says Advisory Committee member Diana Duncan.

This new partnership is effective March 29, 2010.  “We are so honored that Nancy’s friends asked NCCADV to manage this fund, and the work that this group has accomplished in such a short time is phenomenal.  They have already helped so many victims of domestic violence who need resources to build a life free from violence,” says Beth Froehling, NCCADV’s Interim Co-Executive Director.  “We look forward to a successful partnership for many years.”

Nancy’s Butterfly Fund has provided funds to support direct victim assistance through NCCADV’s Anitra Allen Coburn Fund, as well as funds to support the Legal Empowerment and Advocacy Project to assist victims in obtaining free legal information and representation.  In addition, the Fund has supported services provided to domestic violence victims by InterAct of Wake County.

The next event to raise funds, The 2nd Annual Butterfly Fund Family Fun Run, is planned for July 10, 2010, in Cary.  For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.nancysbutterflyfundNC.org.  This Fund is an example of how a group of citizens can turn the tragic death of their friend into something positive that will help victims.  “If we are able to save one person’s life, we will be successful,” says Diana Duncan.

About NCCADV (www.nccadv.org)

The North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCCADV) is a statewide non-profit membership organization providing support services to local domestic violence agencies and allied professionals.  NCCADV was founded in 1981 and provides training and technical assistance to 90 domestic violence programs throughout the state of North Carolina.  The purpose of NCCADV is to strengthen the network of people working to end domestic violence in NC.  NCCADV also advocates to improve statewide policies and legislation to positively impact the lives of victims of domestic violence and their children.

About Nancy’s Butterfly Fund (www.nancysbutterflyfundNC.org)

Friends of Cary murder victim Nancy Cooper created Nancy’s Butterfly Fund, a fund to provide financial assistance to women and their children leaving abusive relationships. The goal of Nancy’s Butterfly Fund is to minimize the financial obstacles that may prevent women from leaving violent, unsafe homes. Assistance from the Fund may help with apartment and utility deposits, childcare, education, food, transportation and other basic financial needs and services. The butterfly symbol memorializes and honors Nancy, and also serves as a symbol of hope to victims whose lives are impacted by domestic violence.