Grand Forks, N.D. — The Community Violence Intervention Center (CVIC) has announced the postponement of its annual Judd Sondreal Memorial Rise & Shine for Peace fundraising breakfast as the organization navigates significant funding uncertainty and focuses its resources on direct engagement with supporters.
Over the past year, CVIC has faced unprecedented financial challenges, including delayed federal funding and increasing pressure on private grant support. In response, the organization’s leadership team evaluated how to best use limited time and resources while continuing to serve individuals and families experiencing violence.
“Throughout this process, we have been guided by one central question: how can we use our time and resources in the most meaningful way to support those who rely on us?” said Coiya Tompkins Inman, president/CEO of CVIC. “At this moment, we believe focusing on personal connection and direct engagement with partners and donors will have the greatest impact.”
Instead of hosting the large annual event this year, CVIC will prioritize smaller, more personal opportunities to connect with supporters. These efforts will include monthly tours, small-group gatherings and individual meetings with donors and community partners. The organization plans to revisit large-scale event fundraising once funding conditions stabilize.
CVIC is currently facing a $500,000 budget deficit. If anticipated federal funding remains unawarded, that gap could grow to more than $1 million.
At the same time, the demand for services continues to rise. In 2025, CVIC served nearly 4,000 individuals in crisis — more than 500 additional survivors compared with the previous year. Without restored funding, the organization estimates that nearly 1,300 adults and children could lose access to vital safety and healing services.
For more than two decades, the Judd Sondreal Memorial Rise & Shine for Peace breakfast has been a significant annual gathering for the community, inspiring generosity and support for CVIC’s mission.
CVIC leaders expressed deep appreciation for the legacy of the late Judd Sondreal and for the ongoing generosity of longtime donor Lisa Sondreal, who has honored her husband’s life and impact through the event.
Community members who wish to support CVIC during this time are encouraged to connect with the organization’s development team or donate online at cviconline.org/donate.
“Support from our community has always been essential to sustaining services for survivors,” Tompkins Inman said. “We are grateful to everyone who continues to walk alongside us as we work to ensure individuals and families experiencing violence can find safety, healing and hope.”
About CVIC
With a bold, comprehensive and nationally recognized approach, we disrupt cultural norms to end violence in two generations. We deliver vital safety and healing services to adults and children experiencing trauma and educate youth and professionals about how to prevent violence and develop healthy relationships. Because violence is predictable, we know it is preventable and through an alliance of collaborative partners and donors we are creating a safer tomorrow.