On Friday April 29, 2011, join men from Summit County and the surrounding communities as they walk one mile in 
women’s high-heeled shoes through downtown Akron to protest rape, sexual assault and gender violence. Judge Parker is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the pre-march rally with caring members of the community, including local law enforcement agencies and many area business’s. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit Counties.
The walk will be held in Downtown Akron (Lock 3). Registration begins at 5 p.m., Opening ceremonies will begin at 6 PM and a post-walk reception and award ceremony will follow shortly after. Men, women, and children are invited to participate and walk-in participants are welcome. Men are encouraged (but not required) to walk in women’s shoes and participants are being asked to obtain a minimum of $20.00 in sponsorship donations. Prizes will be awarded to top fundraising teams and individuals. Special prizes will be awarded to the men wearing the highest heels and the “hottest” heels.
“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes provides an opportunity for the community to stand together against sexual assault and to raise awareness about this violent crime” said Dana Zedak, Director of Community Relations event organizer for the Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit Counties. Dana states that “men wobbling in heels on downtown Akron sidewalks can be pretty amusing but the cause they are marching for is quite serious. While sexual assault has traditionally been viewed as a women’s issue the reality is that sexually violent crimes have no boundaries and affect us all. Statistics show us that approximately 1 in 3 females and 1 in 6 males will be affected by sexual violence in their lifetime. With numbers this staggering, all one has to do is to look around them to see someone who is a survivor”.
Akron’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is in it 6th year and is quickly becoming a unique tradition in the Akron community. This year the Rape Crisis Center is grateful for local sponsors of the event such as Summa Health Systems-DOVE program, Charter One Bank, Omnova Solutions, Barley House, Falls Auto Body and Royster Realty. Barley House will host and “After-Party” immediately following the event.
The Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit County is a non-profit organization committed to serving survivors of sexual violence through advocacy, support and empowerment. Rape Crisis services include: 24-hour crisis line hotline, advocacy in hospital, police and court settings, prevention education and outreach, and information and referral services. Rape Crisis also provides crisis intervention and support groups for survivors, their families and significant others. Rape Crisis is committed to serving the needs of their clients and community. All services are confidential, provided free of charge and are based on the needs of the individual.
For more information contact Debra Costa, Director of the Rape Crisis Centers of Medina Summit Counties at 330-374-0740 ext 126 or e-mail at DebC@scmcbws.org.
www.walkamileinhershoes.org
