“They managed to transform a profoundly negative ordeal, one that their daughter had to witness, into a source of positivity,” Cathy Easter, executive director of Safe Harbor, remarked to The Washington Post in June 2021. “They discovered a way to turn the situation around and avoid feeling devastated by it.”
Easter added, “The timing of these contributions feels almost like a blessing. I deeply regret that the family had to go through this, but I am immensely grateful that they reached out and chose to share their story.” Safe Harbor Shelter provides accommodations and support for survivors of sexual and domestic violence.
According to The Post, after local media outlets picked up Avery’s story, donations began to pour into Safe Harbor. In just one week, the organization experienced a $5,000 increase in contributions, with some specifically mentioning Avery and her mother’s experience.
Video footage captured on May 21 showed Avery’s father pulling up in an SUV with a trailer full of pennies. He proceeded to unload the coins onto the lawn and sidewalk before driving away.
“What are you depositing in my yard?” Sanford’s mother inquired, as reported by The Post, which obtained home-security footage of the incident. The man responded, “It’s your final child-support payment.”
The Post also noted that an officer responded to the “domestic-related incident.”
“Henrico police documented the incident, but no charges were filed,” stated Matt Pecka, Henrico County Police Lt.
Less than a week later, Mary Maupai of Safe Harbor received an email from a stranger: Avery’s mother. She explained that her daughter had to “witness this spectacle from her estranged father,” but also expressed her intention to make a donation to the shelter.
