The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
A red heel warning
Men turn out to Walk a Mile in Her Shoes to end domestic violence
LITCHFIELD — Domestic and sexual violence was brought to heel on Saturday – a high heel, that is.
Toddlers and members of the St. Paul’s Lodge No. 11 Masons group alike wore women’s shoes and carried banners in the new Walk a Mile In Her Shoes event at the Town Green on Sunday morning. The internationally known men’s 1-mile march enlisted 230 males of all ages to walk in red high heels to raise money, via a $50 entry fee, and awareness of domestic and sexual violence.
In the cloudy, 70-degree weather, Ian Campbell and Brian Mattiello performed guitar-based cover songs on the stage for entertainment near the start and finish line. On the Green, local massage therapists provided foot massages afterward to walkers, some of whom had worn high heels for the first time.
“We are excited to make money but
also to increase awareness and let people know who we are,” said Gina Devaux, director of development for the Susan B. Anthony Project in Torrington prior to the walk. “All the proceeds we make go back to the clients we serve.”
Devaux said an estimated $30,000 was made for the Susan B. Anthony Project, a domestic and sexual violence crisis center that offers a hotline, shelter, counseling and legal and medical advocacy.
For the event, the SBAP purchased red high heels of various sizes from two companies that make male sizes — given to walkers prior to the walk.
“I have had walkers say they were ready to take the shoes off after 10 steps, but they soldiered and the pain became a badge of honor,” said Devaux.
“They were committed to the cause.” For those averse to foot pain, the project offered red plastic foot covers for existing shoes and sneakers.
In addition to several local civic organizations and companies forming teams that walked, individuals like Peter Howe, 75, of Litchfield, marched with red shoe covers alongside his 11-year-old Samoyed, Rocco, who also wore red covers on his paws.
“It is a great event,” Howe said.
Steven Torali, 20, a firefighter with the Torringford Volunteer Fire Department in Torrington, walked in red high heels and full firefighter regalia complete with oxygen mask and tank. “The turnout today is amazing,” Torali said through his mask.
Frank Jankowics emceed the event from the stage.
“It went off without a hitch,” said Jankowics, who owns the broadcasting business Northeastern Communications. “The weather started off drizzly, but it is perfect in that it isn’t too hot. The men are uncomfortable enough in high heels, so at least they don’t have to deal with the heat.”
Onlookers supported their friends and families. Amanda Santiago of Bristol cheered on her husband, Louis, a captain with the Torrington Police Department. “It is wonderful that this walk brings awareness to the issue,” she said.
Walk a Mile In Her Shoes was founded in 2001 by organizer Frank Baird as a small group of men raising money for local rape crisis centers and domestic violence shelters. The movement grew into a worldwide sensation aimed at raising awareness on sexual and domestic violence.
Cooper Manna, 7, was the first to finish the walk. His grandfather, Albert Manna, 68, said, “He is doing it for his grandmother, who works for the Susan B. Anthony Project, as am I. I enjoyed it. The turnout was great. The first year was glorious.”
After the walk, Robert Crum, 27, of Simsbury, said of his first experience in high heels: “My toes definitely started swelling. It was hard to get my sneakers back on.”
State Rep. Brian Ohler marched with friends, struggling in heels toward the finish line. “It was worth it,” Ohler commented.
Following the walk, awards and gift baskets with certificates were given out to teams and individual participants by Devaux.