The Richmond Reproductive Freedom Project (RRFP) has officially kicked off their 7th annual “Bowl-A-Thon,” a nationwide fundraising campaign coordinated by the National Network of Abortion Funds, active now through April 22. RRFP’s goal is to raise a total of $50,000 that will go towards providing funds, practical support, and access to clients seeking abortions in Virginia, the DMV area, and along the East Coast.
The Richmond Reproductive Freedom Project (RRFP) has officially kicked off their 7th annual “Bowl-A-Thon,” a nationwide fundraising campaign coordinated by the National Network of Abortion Funds, active now through April 22. RRFP’s goal is to raise a total of $50,000 that will go towards providing funds, practical support, and access to clients seeking abortions in Virginia, the DMV area, and along the East Coast.
All the fundraising is possible through volunteer-led teams of 4—6 members. Each team is committed to raising at least $500, though most go above and beyond. Fundraising efforts, located throughout the state, include dinners, concerts, and parties, as well as personal asks. A large bowling party held at the end of the campaign to celebrate all the volunteers’ efforts gives the Bowl-A-Thon its name.
The Bowl-A-Thon provides the bulk of RRFP’s budget, used to ensure that individuals who need access to reproductive choice can get it, regardless of insurance and economic barriers. Funds raised go directly to clients in need, not to a political party or lobbying work, because RRFP recognizes that one concrete way to overcome the barriers against abortion access is through funding to low-income people who are unable to access abortions without significant support. RRFP has been volunteer-led and grassroots sustained since 2004, and is one of only two abortion funds in all of Virginia.
The majority of Virginians express support for continued access to legal and safe abortions and other reproductive health tools such as birth control. Unfortunately, many politicians in Virginia advocate for policies that restrict abortion access, making it increasingly difficult for people to access important and urgent reproductive health resources. As a result, some of Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens seeking reproductive choice are met with barriers amplified by sexism, racism, classism, and other injustices that make reproductive health and justice nearly impossible to obtain. Without access, there is no real choice; hence the need and importance of the RRFP and the Bowl-A-Thon.
There is still time to form or join a team; fundraising basics and tips are available here. Participating in BAT does not necessarily require hosting events or a significant time commitment, as personal asks are still the most effective fundraising tool. If you absolutely don’t have time to fundraise, you can attend any of the public events on the calendar, volunteer with RRFP, or become a monthly sustainer.
