In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Augusta University’s Alpha Chi Omega chapter is partnering with SafeHomes of Augusta and Rape Crisis Center to host a Walk/Run a Mile fundraiser at the Summerville Campus on Saturday, April 15.
The event will begin at 10 a.m. on the Summerville Campus’ Grove, located at 2500 Walton Way in Augusta and will highlight support efforts to stop sexual assault and gender violence. Following the mile, attendees will be invited to enjoy yard games, snacks and learn about domestic violence resources provided by local organizations.
“This is our third annual run a mile, and we’re hoping to bring a lot of people in,” said Alpha Chi Omega President Stephanie Castillo. “We’re teaming up with Title IX and Piedmont Hospital’s Rape Crisis Center; we’re basically just going to have a lot of different people who are involved with Sexual Assault Awareness Month, so we can have the resources that students or anyone else may need around the Augusta area.”
With a mission to raise at least $1,500, Alpha Chi Omega will be opening the event to the public for the second time in hopes of surpassing their fundraising goal.
Through several and year-round fundraising efforts, Alpha Chi Omega is dedicated to helping individuals and families who were impacted by domestic violence; those a part of the chapter also work to raise awareness by educating others on the impacts of sexual assault, and the work being done to end it.
“Seeing college girls talking about it and actively bringing about awareness can spread even more activism,” said Castillo.
She also said Alpha Chi Omega expects a united campus effort by both male and female Greek life, which will allow them to hold their first ever high heel dash.
“Involving males is important because it raises awareness that sexual assault can happen to them, too,” she said. “One thing that I am looking forward to, and many others as well, is a dash with just guys. They’re putting on heels and seeing how far they can go.”
Castillo said she got the idea for the male high heel race from another Alpha Chi Omega chapter, and was inspired to bring that event to Augusta University.
“We’re going to start it, and hope we get lots of participation with that,” she said. “I love seeing different groups of people come out in support … and I’m excited this year to see the turn-out with this being the second year we’re inviting the public.”
To prevent future sexual assault within Augusta University, Alpha Chi Omega also works to educate their own sorority members by giving them tools which will promote the development of healthy relationships.
Event tickets $12 and raffle tickets are $5. All proceeds will be benefiting SafeHomes of Augusta, and can be purchased on site or at https://alphachiomega.crowdchange.co/30950/page/463200/donate
For those unable to participate, donations can also be given online at the link listed above.
