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Attendees ranged from sororities and fraternities from the University of New Haven to Johnathan Law’s baseball squad to various local businesses all donning high-heeled shoes to traverse through the Milford Green on the one mile walk. The 2016 event’s turnout was higher than previous years marches, something that Director of Victim’s Services Peggy Pisano attributes to the organization’s decades of service.
“I attribute the turnout to people in our community supporting the work that we do”, said Pisano. “Knowing that we’ve been doing it for 40 years and really coming out this year to support us, it means everything.”
Men from various ages and walks of life sported everything from sensible wedges and flats to staggering high heels, with some custom designs adding a extra foot to the walkers heights. As the march stretched from Lisman’s Landing and snaked around the Green, supporters and fans cheered on the participants as everything in the area came to a complete stop.
“I think it was remarkable; the people, the weather, the donations… it couldn’t be any better.” remarked Pisano of the day.
“We would like to thank each and everyone who supported the walk. Without our supporters we couldn’t provide all of the services to the victims and their families,” said Executive Director Tony Vitti.
“It’s a great day, we have teams from Jonathan Law baseball, sororities and fraternities from UNH. We have over 200 students from UNH, over 150 students from Jonathan Law HS and other organizations that come out to support us every year.” said Vitti.
The Rape Crisis Center of Milford is a non-profit, 24/7 organization that provides services to victims and their families at no cost. According to Vitti, the Center also provides community education for Milford, Orange, West Haven, Derby, Seymour, Shelton and Ansonia covering everything from bullying, sexting, internet safety and healthy relationships at no cost to the school systems. As Pisano remarked, “we’re here for everyone; men, women and children and we will continue to be here for them. So, if they want to talk, we’re here to listen.”
To learn more about the Rape Crisis Center of Milford, visit www.rapecrisisctr.org.