Albany-based Equinox Receives $87,100 from Fuccillo for Domestic Violence Services

So, $210,000 total was donated to groups in five regions of the state from Fuccillo's month-long incentive to help promote domestic violence awareness. 

In Albany, Equinox Inc. has received a check for $87,100 from Fuccillo Auto Group to support its services to domestic violence survivors and their children. Equinox was one of five agencies statewide to benefit from a Fuccillo campaign launched in the wake of multiple allegations of domestic violence by NFL players.  During October, Billy Fuccillo pledged to donate $100 for every car sold at his dealerships throughout New York State to organizations providing domestic violence services.  October is national Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

At a November 7 ceremony at the Fuccillo Hyundai dealership in Syracuse, checks totaling $210,000 were presented to groups in Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo and Watertown, as well as Equinox in Albany.

“Mr. Fuccillo’s gift was an extraordinary act of generosity,” said Equinox CEO Dorothy Cucinelli. “This donation will help us continue to ensure that domestic violence survivors and their children get the desperately needed assistance to escape their abusers and build a safe and independent future. We are also deeply appreciative that during October Mr. Fuccillo used his frequent commercials to raise public awareness about domestic violence and where those in need can get help.”

Equinox's annual budget is about $12 million, officials said.

Fuccillo pledged to donate up to $250,000 statewide as part of the incentive.

Since 1989, Equinox has operated Albany County's only Domestic Violence Shelter for victims and their dependent children, providing room and board and multiple services, including case management, safety planning, counseling and support groups, child care and recreation opportunities, advocacy and specialized services for those in the LGBTQ community and victims of elder abuse. Last year, 1,847 people received Equinox DV services, of which 175 adults and 86 children found safety at the shelter.

In addition to domestic violence services, Equinox serves teens and adults struggling with chemical dependency; youth, adults, and families who are living with mental illness; urban teens and young adults; and homeless and runaway youth.