By LESLIE KELLY
Kitsap Week
It doesn’t matter what kind of shoes. But the YWCA wants to see you walk in them on Oct. 18.
The third annual Walk In Her Shoes event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Bremerton. Sponsored by the YWCA, the walk is a way of bringing awareness to domestic violence.
“October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” said Harriette Bryant, interim executive director for the Kitsap YWCA. “So we are having the walk on Oct. 18, which is the last day of the ‘Week Without Violence’ campaign.”
This is the third year for Walk In Her Shoes, which is known in Bremerton as that day when men put on high heels and walk around, or groups of employees from various places all dress alike in costume and parade with the Walk. The family event aims to bring attention to the needs of women and men who are victims of domestic violence in a unique and attention-getting way.
“This is a way to put a face on the issue — to bring more awareness to it,” Bryant said.
The YWCA has programs to help those who have suffered domestic violence, and runs its YWCA’s ALIVE Shelter for domestic violence victims in Kitsap. All proceeds from Walk In Her Shoes support the YWCA’s ALIVE Programs. The YWCA also offers education programs for teenage girls called GEMS, Girls Empowerment Mentors Service.
In 2013, the ALIVE Shelter provided residency for 45 women and 12 children for a total of 2,909 bed nights. Eight families moved from the shelter into permanent housing and two families moved into ALIVE Transitional Housing. Seven women found employment and three enrolled in college. More than 175 women attended weekly community-based support groups. The organization also received 4,832 calls from those in crisis, needing information and referrals.
This year, Walk In Her Shoes is trying something a bit different — a block party. The event will be on a Saturday, as it was the first year. Last year it was held in conjunction with the First Friday Art Walk.
“That just wasn’t working for us,” Bryant said.
It will include a gathering of folks in crazy shoes and costumes at Pacific Avenue between Fourth and Fifth streets, outside Purpose Boutique.
At noon, the group will walk to the United Way Building at 645 Fourth St. for the party. There will be activities for the kids, including face painting, clowns and balloons.
The World’s Best Kettle Corn will be on hand and there will be hot dogs, hamburgers and nachos provided by McCloud’s restaurant.
Those in costume who have registered (for $25 a person, or $100 for a team) will be eligible for a costume competition. Mayor Patty Lent will be among the judges. Team spirit and team attire awards will be given.
Additionally, artists throughout the area are decorating shoes that will be auctioned off. And there will be an award for the best decorated shoe.
A silent auction will take place inside the United Way Building that will include a Kerry Washington special edition Coach handbag.
“We’re going to have several interesting items to auction,” Bryant said. “We may even have two Kerry Washington purses.”
In past years, the Walk has made $25,000 and had hundreds of participants.
Business groups, neighborhoods, friends or individuals can register for the walk by calling 360-479-0522 or emailing info@ywcakitsap.org.
Anyone is invited to the event, even if you haven’t registered, Bryant said.
