Frank Baird created Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® in 2001. What started out as a small group of men daring to totter around a park has grown to become a world-wide movement with tens of thousands of men raising millions of dollars for local rape crisis centers, domestic violence shelters and other sexualized violence education, prevention and remediation programs. In 2007, Frank formed Venture Humanity, Inc, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation. Venture Humanity, Inc. develops peace, violence prevention and community projects. Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® is a Venture Humanity, Inc. project. You can learn more about the national organization at www.walkamileinhershoes.org. In 2007, a small group of volunteers began a Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® event to benefit the Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC) located in Beaverton, Oregon. Since that time, the event has raised thousands of dollars for the agency's important fight against sexualized violence, and rallied community support and awareness. The 2012 Event: A date and location have not yet been chosen for the 2012 event. Please check back soon! The 2011 Event: The 2011 Walk a Mile in Her Shoes®: The Men's March to End Rape, Sexual Assault and Gender Violence to benefit SARC was held on September 10, 2011. The event raised over $13,000 for SARC! All participants are encouraged to fund raise and donations are tax-deductible. With the generous support of our sponsors and the tireless work of volunteers - nearly 100% of funds raised by participants of Walk a Mile® go directly to SARC's community programs. Learn more about SARC here or by visiting www.sarcoregon.org. Frequently Asked Questions about the Event: Is the march only for men? - No! Men, women, children and people of all ages are welcome and encouraged to join the event. This is a community event and we want to send a strong message that sexual violence is not tolerated in our community. Do I have to wear high heels? - High heels are optional, but men are strongly encouraged to wear them, find out why. Women and children are encouraged to wear whatever is comfortable, although we had a quite enthusiastic nine-year old boy in 2010 who won a best shoe prize! Can I bring my dog? - The march occurs on public sidewalks so you may bring your dog if they are kept on leash and you clean up after them. But please note, dogs are not allowed inside the Farmer's Market. Do you have refreshments? - Yes! Sponsors provide free refreshments to participants including beverages and snacks for before and after the march. If you own a business and would like to provide something contact us at sarc_wam@yahoo.com. Participants can also purchase prepared food and local produce from the vendors at the Farmer's Market. How long does the march take? - It's only one mile, but that mile can take some time in heels! It takes most participants 30-60 minutes to march the mile. We have brief guest speakers before and after the march. I can't attend the march, can I still raise money or sponsor someone else? - Of course! You can register as a "Virtual Walker" and create your own fundraising page OR you can sponsor another marcher who has already registered OR you can donate directly to SARC here. You can also mail your donation to SARC at 4900 SW Griffith Drive, Suite 100, Beaverton, OR 97005. We appreciate your support! |