SARC suits up for 10th Annual Walk A Mile in Her Shoes®
Men, women and children of all ages are invited to participate in SARC’s 10th annual Walk A Mile in Her Shoes®: International Men’s March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault & Gender Violence, taking place on Saturday, April 28, 2018 in downtown Bel Air, Maryland. Organizations around the world are hosting Walk A Mile in Her Shoes® events in April to mark Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Last year, SARC raised more than $60,000 in donations to support the stand against sexual violence.
Participants have the chance to lend their voices and show local support in April amongst nationally prominent figures as the country continues to fight against systemic sexual harassment in Hollywood and in blue-collar workplaces in the “Time’s Up” movement. Popular celebrity and social activist Reese Witherspoon states, “this is not the time to be quiet.” Other movements such as #AskHerMore and #MeToo are also powerful campaigns that have started to expose the issues which affect many men and women. The need for awareness is dire: One in two women and one in five men experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetime.
Honorary Chair Harford County Executive Barry Glassman says, “2018 marks 10 years of Walk A Mile in Her Shoes in Harford County. This tradition has grown from a small, non-fundraising awareness event to a huge opportunity for the men and women of our community to take a stand against domestic violence and sexual assault, and support victims who need our help.”
This year’s participants have the chance to earn a real superhero’s cape, the prize offered to the teams with the best name, best shoes and the highest fundraiser. Although wearing high heels is optional, it is a fun opportunity to literally walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. SARC has a multi-tiered goal with this event: to raise awareness, to provide action steps to combat the problem and to raise funds to provide resources to victims in Harford County.
“I walk not only to raise money to help SARC provide valuable services and resources locally but to raise awareness and show support to all victims, nationally,” says SARC Board Vice President and Treasurer for the Society of Italian American Businessmen, Eric Rebbert, owner of Express Employment Professionals in Bel Air. “We’re doing our part in helping to change the social norms and behavior within our community, while courageous women across the country are making their voices heard. We stand with them proudly and walk with honor and respect for the victims of sexual assault, spousal abuse, and domestic violence.”
SARC’s Walk A Mile in Her Shoes® event begins at 9:30 a.m. with onsite registration, shoe sizing, music, refreshments and fun for the whole family. Kickoff announcements and fundraising awards will begin at 10:45 a.m. The walk steps off at 11 a.m. sharp. The walking route leaves from the side of Black Eyed Suzie’s, heads down Main Street, turns onto Bond Street, proceeds to Churchville Road and then heads back to its conclusion alongside the Black Eyed Suzie’s restaurant. Black Eyed Suzie’s is opening early for breakfast at 9 a.m. with breakfast sandwiches and full-service dining beginning at 10 a.m., with a portion of proceeds benefiting SARC.
SARC’s financial goal is to raise $70,000 through registrations, sponsorships, restaurant fundraisers and peer-to-peer fundraising. To register to walk or to sponsor a walker, visit Walk A Mile in Her Shoes® on SARC’s website (www.sarc-maryland.org) or email [email protected].
Walk A Mile sponsors to-date include: Harford Mutual Insurance; Decisive Data Systems; Lynch Construction; Fallston Group; Harford’s Heart; Aaron’s Furniture; Jones Junction; Saiontz & Kirk, P.A.; Saxon’s Diamond Centers; APGFCU; Horne Concrete; Innovative Insurance Solutions; Oak Contracting; WSMT Insurance; McComas Funeral Home; Chesapeake Employer’s Insurance; Elegant Restoration; Harford Bank; Shop Rite; Jen Snyder Photography; and Bill Fritz & Sons DJ.
Photo Credit: Jen Snyder
Since 1978, SARC has provided hope and resources to victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, and stalking. Services include a 24 Hour-Helpline, counseling, legal representation, a confidential safe house, and community outreach and education.
