Groups Get Compassion Gift

FAYETTEVILLE -- Eleven community organizations each have received $1,000 from an anonymous donor.

Representatives of Compassion Fayetteville announced the awards Monday at the Senior Activity and Wellness Center. Compassion Fayetteville, an initiative developed by the Fayetteville Forward Economic Accountability Council's Inclusion Group, seeks to recognize and encourage people to practice the Golden Rule: treat others as you would like to be treated.

Fayetteville is one of 41 "compassionate cities," according to Compassionate Action Network International, a nonprofit organization based in Seattle.

The money will be used in a number of different ways. At the Northwest Arkansas Rape Crisis Center, for example, it will pay for rape kits, clothing and medical supplies.

"They say gratitude is the closest thing to God," Anne Shelley, executive director of the center, said Monday. "When I walked in and saw that $1,000 check, I thought that I was close to heaven for sure."

Other organizations that received money were:

• Compassion Fayetteville

• Economic Opportunity Agency of Northwest Arkansas

• Fayetteville Senior Activity and Wellness Center

• Feed Communities

• Habitat for Humanity of Washington County

• Peace at Home Family Shelter

• Seven Hills Homeless Center

• Tri Cycle Farms

• Washington Plaza Apartments Residents Council

• Yvonne Richardson Community Center