From Volunteer To Legacy: Dottie Broyles
Earlier this year, Project REST was humbled to receive a legacy gift being made by Dorothy “Dottie” Boyles and her family to honor her dedication and advocacy to Project REST over her lifetime.
Dottie passed in January 2022, but leaves a long legacy of philanthropic spirit and volunteerism in the Spartanburg community. Her family tells us, “She just loved people.”
She was very involved in the Spartanburg area where she was an active volunteer for several organizations, most notably a volunteer and board member for SAFE Homes and Rape Crisis (former name of Project REST).
“When she wasn’t volunteering, Dottie lived her busy life as a potter designing beautifully unique ceramics as well as creating many other art projects. Dottie worked as a realtor at Keith-Evans Real Estate and was a talented, all-around-can-do-anything handywoman maintaining personal rental properties and those of others,” tells her sister Caroline.
Specifically, to Project REST, Dottie loved helping victims of sexual assault. Her caring nature often was a source of comfort to victims getting through the traumatic process of having a rape kit performed. “She stood by them the entire time so that they would not be alone,” Caroline tells us.
Most importantly, it was important to Dottie that sexual assault and domestic violence victims continued to be well served. That is why Dottie left a generous legacy gift to Project REST.
“Her generous gift is going to be used to furnish the suite in the brand-new Spartanburg County Courthouse as well as replacing the gazebo at the Project Rest shelter,” said Krystal Watson, Executive Director.
“Both of these projects will continue to honor Dottie’s passion and further her legacy of making sure our victims are never alone. Whether finding comfort in the peaceful gazebo or coming forth to pursue justice in the courthouse, Dottie’s legacy of kindness and compassion will be known and a comfort to all of our victims.”
The space in the courthouse is especially important because it will provide legal advocacy services to clients seeking assistance with Orders of Protection. “Creating a welcoming, safe space for our clients is crucial,” says Watson.
“The most dangerous time for a victim of domestic violence is when they decide to leave and end the abusive relationship. Obtaining an Order of Protection is often the first real step to finding safety and independence, and it is so important to us that our clients feel comfortable during this difficult time of transition,” says Watson.
“By investing in our courthouse office suite, we will be able to provide a safe and peaceful environment for our clients as they seek legal advocacy services and assistance in obtaining Orders of Protection.”
Dottie’s generosity will be felt by countless individuals and families in our community.
