ENID, OK - In partnership with Title Sponsor Edward Jones Enid Advisors and Main Street Enid, YWCA Enid is hosting their annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes on First Friday, May 5th at 6:30 pm on the Courthouse Lawn. This awareness event is a fundraiser that supports the YWCA’s life-saving programs for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, including free sexual assault forensic exams, emergency shelter, and counseling.
The purpose of this event is the old adage that you can’t really understand what someone has been through until you’ve “walked a mile in their shoes.” YWCA is challenging the men in our community to literally take a stand against violence by walking around the Downtown Square in high heels to raise awareness of sexual assault, show unified support for survivors, and engage all in YWCA’s mission. Rates of sexual assault are rising in our area, and it is essential that we all stand together in the fight against abuse to show it is not a private problem – it is a community problem.
The YWCA has hosted this event for nearly a decade, receiving an excellent response from the community. Many men and boys have supported this event over the years, including law enforcement, first responders, military personnel, youth athletic teams, businessmen, and community members.
YWCA Enid needs continued community support of this event in 2023. It will be held on the Courthouse Lawn during First Friday, May 5th. Day-of registration, shoe fittings, and check-in will be available starting at 6:00 pm at the Downtown Gazebo. The awareness walk will begin at 6:30 pm, after brief remarks and an exciting announcement by Courtney Dennis, YWCA Executive Director.
After venturing around the inner sidewalk of the Garfield County Courthouse, an Awards Ceremony will conclude the event. Awards include “Best Strut,” “Best Legs,” and “Mr. Walk A Mile.” Walkers are encouraged to make signs to carry during the walk and dress creatively. A silent auction with desserts donated by local businesses and individuals will also be featured at this year’s event.
Registration is open at ywcaenid.com or the YWCA Front Desk. Men ages 18 and up are $50, and a team of eight men can register at a discount for $350. Men’s sized heels are provided by the YWCA to all adult walkers at check-in. Heels are not mandatory – we encourage all men to stand up against violence and participate in this lighthearted event for a serious cause.
Youth of all ages are also encouraged to participate. Youth ages 2-17 are $20, and a team of unlimited youth members can register for $150. Heels are not available in youth sizes, so YWCA asks these walkers to wear their school colors or team uniforms.
Sponsorships are available to help with the fundraising of this event. Please contact the YWCA at 580-234-7581 or ywca@ywcaenid.com for more information.
Sexual assault can happen to anyone. One in three women and one in six men will experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetime. The ultimate goal is to stop interpersonal violence before it begins and raising awareness helps to encourage prevention. Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is a strong catalyst in the awareness process by publicly engaging all in the YWCA’s mission and showing unified support for survivors.
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing sexual assault or domestic violence, please contact the YWCA on their 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at 580-234-7644 to be connected with an advocate today. You are not alone, and the YWCA is here to help. Hope starts here at the YWCA.
