The sixth-annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, benefiting the Family Crisis Center, will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Barton County Courthouse Square.

Activities will include a pledge walk, kids’ events, and the infamous red heels team race. In addition, M.L. Carr, former star for the National Basketball Association’s Boston Celtics, will be the featured speaker. He will join Hannah Maddy, Miss Barton County, and Mason YellowWolf, a Great Bend High School student and athlete.  

The event is designed to raise awareness about sexual and domestic violence, as well as raise money to provide services for survivors through the Family Crisis Center and its numerous anonymous services, said Crisis Center Executive Director Laura Patzner.

There are several reasons why the Crisis Center staff recommends people get involved, she said. First, people have to walk the walk.

“There is an old saying that you can’t understand a person’s experience until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes,” Patzner said. “The event is a fun way to let men literally ‘walk in her shoes’ while raising awareness to fight domestic violence.”

Second, Patzner said people need to talk the talk. “Opening up communication about sexual and domestic violence helps those who experience it feel like they are not alone in their situation and can reach out to those who can help. The Walk a Mile event is a great way to get people talking.”

Third, sexual and domestic violence is not just a women’s issue, as it affects the men who care about them. These atrocities are an epidemic, with someone being raped in America every two minutes, Patzner said. 

“As we work to bring awareness to the community, please join us to show support for the brave men who will be walking in those red high heels,” Patzner said. “Or better yet, ask your family and friends to sponsor you and join us as we Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.”

Registration is $25 for youth participants and $50 for adult participants. The Ruby Red Prize will be awarded for Top Fundraiser in Youth, Adult and Team categories. Sponsorships are available at four levels and can include 30-second commercials during the television special along with other promotional incentives. 

To find out more about how to get involved with the annual Walk a Mile fundraiser or as a Crisis Center volunteer, visit the Family Crisis Center’s web site at www.familycrisiscntr.org or stop by the office at 1924 Broadway in Great Bend.