Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/114777
Walk Awhile in Her Shoes Benefits Community
by VICTORIA CRUMPLER
Sexual violence doesn't stand out as a topic of discussion in most people's minds.
It's been said many times and in many different ways: "Don't judge a man until
It isn't pretty, so it's sometimes difficult to raise awareness. The people at Walk a
you have walked a mile in his shoes." Many parents have said these exact words to
Mile in Her Shoes understand this and that's why Walk Awhile
their children. It's easy to imagine their young minds wandering
works; because it's fun. It isn't uncomfortable (unless you're a
and suddenly an image of tiny feet inside of a big old pair of
foot) and it makes a sensitive subject easier to talk about.
shoes comes to mind. They could be boots. They could be
"A lot of people don't want to see it," Cannon stated. "They
sneakers. They could be sandals or slippers. They could be
want to close their eyes. This fundraiser can help open the
oxfords or penny loafers. They could be cleats or flippers. Or
eyes of those that may be too afraid to acknowledge the
they could be ... high-heels.
existence of sexual violence, but in a fun way."
The Rape Crisis Volunteers of Cumberland County is
In 2012, 100 men showed up to give their support and
hosting the third annual Walk Awhile in Her Shoes fundraiser
raise awareness in the community by taking that valiant, yet
event on March 22 in downtown Fayetteville. Walk Awhile is
glamorous, stroll down those historic cobble-stone streets.
a part of the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes international project
This year the RCVCC hopes to raise at least $25,000 to help
in which men are asked to wear high-heeled shoes to raise
support the growing demand for volunteer and financial
awareness of sexual violence in local communities. Yes, men.
resources at the Rape Crisis facility. It is reported that in the
Yes, high-heels.
2011-2012 Fiscal Year, at least 378 victims of sexual assault
These handsome guys will strut their stuff down Hay Street
were provided services by the RCVCC in our community; the
beginning at the Market House and ending at the AIT building
number of cases continues to climb.
where a reception will be held. Refreshments will be available
"We need more men to go out and support things like this,"
for participants, whether they walked or simply donate to
Cannon said. "These women need to know they're not alone."
the cause. Band-Aids will also be on scene for those brawny,
Statistics show that one in four American women are
brave men who showed those stilettos who's boss. General
victims of sexual assault; meaning it's likely that we all know
registration is $20 and includes a T-shirt, admission for two
Real men wear heels.
someone who has been affected. Doing your part to support
to the reception and two drink tickets per person. Student
these victims can be as simple as putting one fabulous foot in
registration (must have ID) costs $10 and includes a T-shirt
and admission for one to the reception. Participants can register onsite at the Market front of the other, just be careful not to break a heel.
If you have any questions, want more information or wish to
House at 6 p.m. and the walk starts at 7 p.m.
sponsor the walk, contact Deanne Gerdes, executive director
Bill Cannon and his two sons, Tyler (20) and Trent (15), will participate in the
of the RCVCC at 485walk. Cannon feels that it's important to set a good example for his boys and get
VICTORIA CRUMPLER, Contributing
7273 or by e-mail at
them involved in their community.
Writer. Comments? Editor@upandcomingerdes.deanne@gmail.
"By getting my sons involved it teaches them that it's okay to humble yourself, put
gweekly.com.
com.
yourself out there, and give back to your community for a great cause," Cannon said.
Miss Fayetteville Dogwood Festival is
awarded $1,000 Cash Scholarship.
Taylor Nicole Bridges
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Scholarships through Methodist University,
Mary-Hannah Raynor
FTCC & Fayetteville State University.