#MeToo movement puts spring in YWCA’s steps
Last year’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, which raises money and awareness for YWCA’s sexual assault and domestic violence programs, drew about 550 guys strolling around Santana Row in high heels. YWCA of Silicon Valley CEO Tanis Crosby wants this year’s event on June 20 at Santana Row to double that number, representing the 1,100 sexual assault survivors the agency provides services for each year.
If there’s any year that could — and should — happen, it’s now.
That’s because a lot has happened since last June’s walk. The #MeToo movement against sexual assault and harassment was created in the wake of allegations against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein and other celebrities, politicians and people in power. And locally, voters just recalled Judge Aaron Persky to send a message about sexual assault.
Event organizers are off to a good start in getting high-profile names involved. San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, SJ Sharkie, the Stanford band and the 82 members of the San Jose State football team (along with mascot Sammy the Spartan) are all registered. There also are walkers from law enforcement, the electrical workers’ union, El Camino Hospital, the Fairmont Hotel, Kaiser Permanente and the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office.
The walkers aren’t the only important numbers. About 60 percent of the $145,000 fundraising goal has been met, and teams are really competing to bring in the money this year. One five-man team called The Beer Channel has raised nearly $10,000, and they’re in third place.
For the past 16 years, the
YWCA event has often been viewed as a lighthearted way to bring awareness and money to the serious issues of sexual assault and domestic violence. Hey, it’s not easy to watch a crowd of guys teetering in pumps, wedges and the occasional stiletto without laughing. We know we look a little ridiculous, but we also know this is a cause worth enduring some ridicule and maybe sore feet for.
Walkers pin placards to their shirts like race numbers that declare why they’re walking. Some do it just to make a difference. Others walk for survivors they know. Many walk for their daughters, sisters, wives or girlfriends in hopes of changing the culture for them. And some of us walk for our sons; to be the role models they need.
And if you’re wondering about the shoes, don’t sweat it: The YWCA provides heels for everyone who signs up, either in advance at ywca-sv.org or on site at Park Valencia at 5 p.m. See you out there.
MIXING IT UP FOR FOSTER YOUTH » Rubber chicken dinners have thankfully been put on the back
burner as more and more local nonprofits turn to more engaging, interactive ways to reach their audience. Take foster youth champions, the Silicon Valley Children’s Fund and Teen Force, which is launching an inaugural event Wednesday called Mix Masters, featuring community leaders and professional South Bay bartenders putting together craft cocktails.
Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez, Flights owner Alex Hult and Tech CU’s Janikke Klem will join San Jose bartenders including Dave Mulvehill from Five Points and Sid Bergara from Haberdasher for the event at the Glasshouse in
downtown San Jose. It’s a fun way to draw attention to the programs’ Masters of Change Awards, all nominated by current and former foster youth, which will honor social worker Jordan McAllister, QuantumScape’s Brad Stimson and foster parents David and Lisa Arbuck.
Naturally, the event takes place during happy hour — 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. — and you can get tickets for $35 at svcf.org/mixmasters.
EVERY WORLD CUP GAME AT AVAYA » The San Jose Earthquakes are going all out for the FIFA World Cup, which starts Thursday, by hosting a
viewing party on Avaya Stadium’s large video board for every game on the schedule, even the ones that start well before dawn. There’ll be food and drinks available to purchase for each game, and specials such as Spanish chorizo and Portuguese linguica when Spain and Portugal play.
For higher-profile games, there also will be extras such as food trucks and bounce houses on the stadium grounds. Fans are definitely encouraged to wear their team colors. Possibly the best deal? Free coffee for fans who arrive for the first match each day. The full schedule is available atfifa.com.
LAST CHANCE TO GET OUT » After four years of bringing the “escape from a locked room” experience to San Jose, Quadra Escape has announced that it is closing its doors on North First Street on June 17. The real-time puzzles have drawn 30,000 people — including a lot of corporate team building events — since 2014. There’s still time to plot your last escape at quadraescape. com.
SWEET NEW LOOK FOR SAN JOSE GIANTS? » Fans who show up to Municipal Stadium on Saturday may be in for a surprise when they see the San Jose Churros take the field against the Visalia Rawhide. That’s right, for one night only, the Giants are changing their name to honor the sweet, cinnamon-flavored Mexican treat that’s one of Muni’s most popular snacks. The team will wear San Jose Churros caps and jerseys — which will be auctioned off — and the first 1,000 fans will get a “Churro Man” bobblehead givewaway.
Tickets to the 5 p.m. game are available at the stadium or at sjgiants. com.
PARTING THOUGHT » You can count Leo Herrera of the Santana tribute band Caravanserai among those who are sad to see Willow Glen’s Dancin’ on the Avenue come to an end. Now in its 21st year, the band has performed all over the country, but Herrera — who has lived in Willow Glen for the past 15 years — said he’s happy Caravanserai will be back home to headline the Bank of America stage on Saturday.
“I find it a true honor for my band to be closing out this event’s 23-year history,” he said.