Do you know the vital services that you support with your donation? Do you know the power of walking together for one mile, one evening in September? We sat down with Elizabeth Freeman Board Members, Susan Gordon and Jackie Sadera, who are not only members of their fundraising committee, but who are also excellent representatives of the caring, passionate, informed, and professional individuals who comprise the leadership of the Elizabeth Freeman Center EFC.
The Elizabeth Freeman Center invites men, women, and children to walk during the event. It is a powerful way to stand in solidarity against Domestic Violence, and it is a great way for young children to learn respect for themselves and others. The second thing is they wish to debunk the misconception that to participate you must wear heels. If you wish, there will be tables filled with decorations that you can attach to your shoes, or you can borrow a pair of shoes if you get there early!
Registration is free, although donations are encouraged, and is open now. Individual, small group, and team registrations are welcome. EFC encourages you to pre-register online, but you can also register the day of the event. Online registration will close at noon on September 21st and will begin again, in person, at 5 pm the day of, at Persip Park on the corner of North Street and Columbus Avenue. The one-mile walk will begin at 6 pm, rain or shine.
The first event was held on a very damp, cold day in September, and the turn-out for 3rd Thursday as well as the walk was low. Yet, the event was a success! People wanted to do it again. I just never expected that. And the event has grown larger every year. Nearly 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men have been raped in their lifetime; and 1 in 6 women and 1 in 19 men have experienced stalking in their lifetime.
Her case, Brom and Bett v. Ashley, served as precedent in the State Supreme Court case that brought an end to the practice of slavery in Massachusetts. The Elizabeth Freeman Center receives state and federal grant funding, but a lot of the prevention work is not covered by these grants and more money is needed. There are a few ways you can donate to the event.
