2015 Domestic Violence Awareness Month Events
One in four American women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. That’s more women than are affected by breast cancer, ovarian cancer and lung cancer combined. Still, more than one-third of Americans have never discussed the issue.
Throughout the month of October, The Shelter for Abused Women & Children is raising public awareness with a variety of events as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM).
Purple Purse Challenge: From October 1-27, The Shelter will take part in the Allstate Purple Purse Challenge. Those who donate $25 or more will automatically be entered to win one of three designer purple purses including a limited edition purse designed by Purple Purse spokeswoman, actress Kerry Washington.
Moe’s Corporate Run: 6:15 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 8, Moe’s (corner of US 41 and Immokalee Road). Join this three-mile run/walk to benefit The Shelter. All levels of runners and walkers are welcome. This race is not chip timed.
The Purple Party: 6:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 16, Paradise Wine. Hosted by The Shelter’s NextGen group, the evening will be a splash of purple from dress to drink. Purple is the symbolic color for courage, survival, honor and dedication to ending domestic violence. Tickets available at naplesshelter.org/purpleparty
Ride for The Shelter Kick Off: 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22, 7th Avenue Social. Join Gordon Kellam and Glen Schwesinger as they kick-off plans for a 1,156-mile bicycle ride from Naples to Washington, D.C. The Ride will raise national awareness for The Shelter’s Gentle’men Against Domestic Violence® (GADV) initiative, which calls on men to stand with women as equal partners to end domestic violence. Tickets available at naplesshelter.org/ride
Mercato Goes Purple: 4-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 – Merchants throughout the center will have special promotions, discounts and prizes. Servers and clerks in many establishments will wear purple. New this year will be a free concert from 7-9 p.m., featuring dance band Karibbean Groove. The Shelter’s Hands are for Helping program will be set up for public participation from 4-6 p.m.
The public is encouraged to pick up a Purple Passport to Peace at Mercato businesses. Visit various vendors, find a purple Shelter sign and enter the phrase or statistic into the appropriate space on their passport. Passports will be turned in at The Shelter’s information booth and participants will be entered to win prizes donated by Mercato businesses.
The Immokalee Peace March & Children’s Fair: 3-7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26 at the Collier County Immokalee Sports Complex, 505 Escambia St. – The Children’s Fair takes place from 3-6 p.m. and is followed by the Peach March at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Activities include children’s games, food, entertainment, a talent show and information booths hosted by partner agencies. For more information, email Josie Means at jpuente@naplesshelter.org.
