It was a cool but sunny Wednesday afternoon that greeted walkers, participants in the fourth annual “Walk A Mile in Her Shoes” event on Main Street.
Organized by the YWCA Bradford, the walk invites local men to don the footwear of their female counterparts in a show of support for survivors of sexual violence. The activities also open up discussion about the topic.
On Wednesday, men of all ages took to Main Street, Bradford, wearing women’s shoes of all styles, from flip flops to stiletto heels.
A portion of Main Street was closed for a time for the activities, including the walk down Main Street and presentations in Veterans Square.
Speakers at the event spoke while perched inside a Bradford City fire truck, their voices projecting through the speakers across Main Street.
The YWCA staff invited people in the community to come to the organization for educational opportunities on sexual violence.
“We are aiming to focus on education and prevention,” explained YWCA executive director Vanessa Castano. Programs are through the YWCA are “age appropriate and can be tailored to their needs.”
Castano said part of their goal is “empowering kids” and making sure they know “they have a voice and they know that sexual assault is not their fault.”
Mayor Tom Riel made a proclamation of April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Bradford City.
Also, District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer talked about the courage it takes survivors of sexual violence to come forward — and the mixed feelings they have to sort through.
“We are here to honor children who regret reporting because they were removed from their homes. Victims who did not consider it rape because it was done by their spouse. Child victims who don’t tell anyone because it was done by their adult relative.”
Shaffer had high regard for the men who marched in show of their support.
“The brave men — walking in heels — signify their partnership with the survivors,” she said. “Thank you for being here, guys.”
This year, a Role Model contest was added to the list of activities, in which the faces of several local men were on jars at area businesses, and people voted for their favorite role model by putting monetary donations in the jars. The money raised will help fund the YWCA and its programs.
Named biggest role model was Bradford City Police Chief Chris Lucco.
Lucco said it was “wonderful to see the community support such a wonderful cause.”
Moments to Remember was recognized for having the best display in a business. Displays were judged on theme use, creativity and best use of space.
Trophies were also awarded to walk participants in the categories of Best in Show, Tim Pillar; the Largest Team, Hot Heels 2.0 led by captain Shelley Acorn; the Most Team Spirit, the Bradford Area High School baseball team; and the Best Shoes, Danny Fedak.
Castano talked after the event about how grateful she was for the sponsors, volunteers and walkers who took part, explaining how she was touched by “the amount of enthusiasm” they showed. She also praised the bystanders who attended to watch and cheer participants on.
More than 150 walkers took part in Wednesday’s event, according to Angela Erway, development and marketing director with the YWCA.
Erway wasn’t sure Wednesday night how much money was raised for YWCA programs through the event, but she said, “We definitely exceeded last year’s numbers.”
Just the Role Model contest alone raised more than $900, she said.
“It’s amazing how generous this community is. I’m overwhelmed,” Erway added.
Money was raised through sponsorship, “not only corporate sponsors, but also pledge forms (from walkers). We had a great number of those turned in with significant numbers.”
Erway was excited about “the tremendous showing of men’s athletics. A huge shoutout to the students but also their coaches for encouraging them to be involved.”
The student athletes “were the overwhelming majority” of walkers, said Erway, who noted that athletes from about every team at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford attended, as well as a number of players from Bradford Area High School. Bradford High football player John Eakin — a contestant in the Role Model contest — brought along friends from the football and track teams, as well as state Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint.
The high school baseball team showed strong support, she said, with school staff members Ken Coffman, Andy Carlson and Jason Blatchley rounding out the team.
She added that service clubs from Pitt-Bradford such as the Rotaract Club also attended.
Anyone interested in getting more information or scheduling a presentation on the topic is invited to call the YWCA 814-368-4236.
