High heels for a cause

On Monday, the Fort Hays State University Interfraternity Council held their sixth annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event.

The goal of the event was to promote domestic violence awareness and two local organizations: Options and Jana’s Campaign. All of the proceeds from the event were distributed and given to both organizations.

Although the event is held to promote and sponsor a sensitive and serious cause, the men participating in Walk a Mile in Her Shoes were able to have a enjoyable time while marching a mile around campus, while wearing high heels of some kind.

Each organization was founded on a notable cause or event.

Jana’s Campaign was founded after Jana Mackey, who was a victim of violence and was found dead in an ex-boyfriends home in 2008. Mackey was an advocate for women’s rights and law student at the time. According to janascampaign.org, Mackey participated in the Kansas Commission on the Status of Women as well as served as a lobbyist at the Kansas capitol. While in Topeka, she represented the Kansas National Organization for Women. As a lobbyist, Mackey negotiated issues important to women.

The Campaign founded in Mackey’s name is now made up of a nationwide group of advocates and volunteers, who promote domestic violence awareness.

The organization was started through the initiative and heart-felt action by Dr. Christie Brungardt and Dr. Curt Brungardt.

Another great cause also benefited from this year’s event.

The Options organization was founded in 1983, first with an office, and the name of Northwest Kansas Family Shelter, then a safe house was added within the next few years. Over the years, the organization has grown with the addition of staff members and grants. Options’ main purpose, which is to provide safety and outreach services to victims.

According to help4abuse.org, the website for Options, the goal of the organization is to promote domestic, sexual, interpersonal or stalking violence awareness. Options has also developed to help communities become educated about causes of violence in society.

The Options agency and volunteers say they are very grateful to serve any survivors or victims of violence, who seek their services so they can live an abuse free life for themselves and their families.

Both of these organizations are able to use any donations given in an extraordinary way. The funds will help them house victims and continue to promote domestic and other types of violence.

Local Businesses, establishments, and individuals were also able to donate funds to sponsor the event, which would be given to either organization. The IFC separated this donors into different categories based on the amount of their donation. The “flip-flip” level was for anyone who contributed $25 to $49, the “slingbacks” level was for any sponsor who donated between $50 and $99. Donors in the “flats” level gave $100 to $150. The “pumps” level was for donors who gave $150 up to $250, and finally, the top level, “stilettos,” was for any donor or sponsor who contributed $251 or more.

Over 50 men registered and participated in the event this year. With the registration fees and donations, the IFC was able to donate $875 to Jana’s Campaign and $875 to Options.

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