The Taste of Summer Charity Barbecue raised $1,261 for Agape House on Wednesday.

Co-President of Agape House Cindy Friesen says Agape House was started 30 years ago to help people seeking refuge from domestic violence.

“We provide emergency shelter for those that need to flee domestic violence and we also provide a 24-hour hotline service crisis line and we also offer non-residential services such as counseling.”

Friesen says Agape House often deals with very sensitive situations and puts great value on privacy.

Members of Agape House board and staff receive funds

Co-President Ashley Hayward says the shelter operates 24 hours a day all year long and is run by great people.

“We have amazing staff that are well trained. They are professionals at what they do. They work on a model and work to fit in what is best for the client. We are nine people on our board and we are 15 staff and we have 16 beds that we house.”

Hayward says every bit of funding they get makes a difference, but they also need to have awareness.

“It is amazing that the community is coming out and supporting. Part of it is the awareness aspect of things. We want people to know where they can get help, where they can get help for their friends and family if they need, and also just letting them know that we are here.”

Friesen thanks all of the organizers from Golden West Radio who put on the event, and all of the sponsors who supplied the food.