Oktoberfest event helps victims services group

BONNERS FERRY — The Oktoberfest celebration continued in the community at the Boundary County Fairgrounds for the first Boundary County Victim Services Oktoberfest Fundraiser on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 21.

The non-profit, grant funded group usually holds their fall fundraiser and fashion show at the Pearl Theatre in November, but decided to hold this fundraiser as well, in order to boost the areas in which they can assist those affected by crime.

“If not yourself, someone that you know has been victimized by a crime,” said Melissa Krejci, who is a crime victim advocate.

Becky James, the Executive Director, and Krejci have teamed up in order to help victims with the things that they need such as gas, groceries, and shelter.

Being grant funded, the money awarded is set within strict parameters. Events such as this helps the group assist victims with the things they need that are outside the parameters.

Speaking about herself and James, Krejci said, “We want to help people in trauma and our personalities allow us to do that. This field of work has become a personal calling. Not so much that something happened and we needed to reach out, we reached out and realized that something is always happening. We have a very beautiful and dynamic team.”

The group is funded as a domestic violence, sexual assault dual program. “We are fortunate enough to not work for the county, but work with them, so any victim of crime that the prosecution feels applies to us, we can help through the court system,” said Krejci.

Crime victims consist of a broad spectrum of people and events, whether it be stolen property, damaged property, or domestic abuse. Among the various ways they are allowed to help victims, they are also able to provide grants so that people that need to see a licensed therapist can do so.

“Becky and I are huge supporters of mental health and mental health counseling, as trauma makes everything blurry and inconceivable,” said Krejci. “We are very fortunate to be a part of a community where if you need something, all you need to do is ask.”

With assistance from the community, the group was able to put on a successful and eventful evening for attendees serving beer, bratwursts, and sauerkraut, accompanied by the country music entertainment of the Devin Wade Band. The beer garden was hosted by Mugsy’s Bar and Grill.

Feet gliding across the dance floor to the music of the band, brought to light the upbeat mood of the evening’s attendees, while the amount of people that came to show their support, showcased how much the community cares about helping others in need.

Their 24/7 victims’ hotline is 208-267-5211, the office number is 208-267-7334, and the office is located in the Boundary County Courthouse.