“They managed to transform a rather negative ordeal, witnessed by her daughter, into something positive,” Cathy Easter, executive director of Safe Harbor, informed The Washington Post in June 2021. “They discovered a way to navigate through this situation without feeling completely devastated.”
“The timing of these contributions feels like a true blessing,” Easter remarked. “While I deeply regret the family’s ordeal, I’m incredibly thankful they reached out, chose to act, and shared their story.” Safe Harbor Shelter provides accommodation and support for survivors of sexual and domestic violence.
According to The Washington Post, following the coverage of Sanford’s story by local media outlets, donations flooded into Safe Harbor. Within a week, the organization experienced a $5,000 increase in donations, with some specifically referencing Sanford and her mother’s experience.
Footage captured on May 21, 2021, shows Sanford’s father arriving in an SUV with a trailer full of pennies. He proceeds to pour the coins onto the lawn and sidewalk before departing.
“What are you dropping in my yard?” Sanford’s mother questions, as reported by The Washington Post, which obtained home-security footage of the incident. The man’s response: “It’s your last child-support payment.”
The Washington Post added that an officer responded to the “domestic-related incident.”
“Henrico police documented the incident, however no charges were filed,” stated Henrico County Police Lt. Matt Pecka.
Less than a week later, Mary Maupai of Safe Harbor received an email from a stranger: Sanford’s mother. She detailed how her daughter had to witness the spectacle caused by her estranged father but expressed her intention to donate to the shelter
