The fourth annual Walk A Mile in Her Shoes will not only bring men in heels to Main Street Bradford once again, but it will also encourage business competition with displays to spread awareness of the YWCA.
The event is slated for 6 p.m. April 12 at Veteran’s Square.
The display contest will be held in the days prior to the Walk A Mile event, allowing community businesses to show their support and understanding of the YWCA.
“We are encouraging the community to participate with awareness of the YWCA and what the organization stands for,” Kelly Case, event coordinator, said via email. “We are asking any organization or business who has space to create a display, and the winner will receive a personalized gift basket. The criteria for judging are: Theme use, creativity and best use of space.”
Case explained winners will be judged by a panel. The display can be as big or small as space at the business allows. If interested, an entry form must be completed and received by April 7. Judging will take place on April 10 and the winner will be announced at the walk.
People do not have to be part of a team in order to participate. Instead, the intent of teams is to “raise awareness, create team spirit and start the conversation about the reality of sexual violence,” Case said. For those organizing a team, it is required that each team has seven members. The deadline to register a team and guarantee a t-shirt is today. After that, registrations will still be accepted. However, there is no guarantee that participants will get a t-shirt.
Last year, 125 walkers were registered. However, the event drew in a big crowd of supporters and had numerous participants who walked but did not register. This year, hopes are to see 250 people attend.
During the event, trophies will be awarded for the Best in Show, the Largest Team, the Most Team Spirit and the Best Shoes.
Pre-event festivities will also include a Role Model contest, with donations representing votes. The jars will be at local businesses until April 12, at which time they will be collected and the votes will be tallied.
“Essentially, this is the community’s chance to vote for their ‘favorite’ role model and generate additional funds for the YWCA and its programs,” Case said. “In a fun way, the winner will earn bragging rights until next year’s walk and will receive a trophy.”
The following are the locations where each role model’s jar will be posted:
Bella Capelli Salon – Matthew Galbraith; H & R Block – Eric Taylor; Little Fabric Garden – Dave Shields; Main Street Mercantile – Todd Hennard; Ott & McHenry Pharmacy – Marty DiFonzo; Pizza Napoli – Shawn Galbraith; Tin Ceiling Gift Shoppe – Chris Lucco and Togi’s Family Restaurant – John Aiken.
Case noted that the event would not be possible without corporate and in kind
sponsors. Those sponsors include Allegheny Bradford Corp.; American Refining Group; Blaisdell Foundation; Control Chief; Eagles; Kiwanis; Marshall Insurance; McCourt Label; Northwest Savings Bank; Satterwhite family; Sundahl & Co. Insurance; W.R. Case & Sons/Zippo Manufacturing Co.; Zonta; Colonial Media & Entertainment; Ann & Dick Kessel family; Studio B dancers and Cummins Construction.
