Located in: Features
Posted on: September 22nd, 2013 No Comments

Domestic abuse shelter holds Men in Heels Race


Photo by Stephanie Hall

Racers take off from the starting line at the Men in Heels Race Thursday at the final Farmer’s Market in downtown Grand Junction. The race was intended to raise money for the Latimer House, which shelters victims of domestic violence.

Sporting neon tutus, the iconic high heels and some even wearing pigtails, the men were in high spirits and ready for their heats to start.

This week, the local community attacked the stigma around domestic violence head-on with the Latimer Houses’ fourth annual Men in Heels Race. Crowds gathered during the final Downtown Farmers Market to cheer on their favorite teams.

Karla Kitzman, Latimer House Coordinator, shared the low-down before the race started.

“We have had a great turnout, and the community is coming together amazingly.” Kitzman said. “The reason why this race is a big deal in our community is because it helps to open a dialog around domestic violence.”

In Mesa County, there have been over 672 cases of domestic violence since January 2013. This event brings a chance for the public to learn about the statistics while reflecting that each community member likely knows someone who has been affected by domestic violence.

“When we started this race, people would see the Latimer House shirt and walk the other way, as to not be associated with [domestic violence] in any way,” Kitzman said. “But now, people see the shirts and walk across the street to come and talk to us.”

Many donors were involved, but WPX Energy took the cake as the largest single donor in this year’s race, gathering over $7,000 to help the Latimer House.

“This is our largest fundraiser each year.” Kitzman said. “We started out four years ago with six teams, and today we have 17 teams and a larger crowd then ever.”

The funds that are raised are not allocated to anything specific, meaning the Latimer House can use the money to purchase anything needed, from toilet paper to food for its shelters. These funds are shortfall funds that the Latimer House depends on to cover unforeseen costs or unexpected needs as they arise.

“A big thanks goes out to all the teams as well as Brown’s Shoe Company,” Kitzman said.

The local company helped ensure that the men’s heels, which were stolen in April, were replaced before the race. Exotic High Heels and Cathy Jean Shoes also helped to replenish the stock of men’s heels in the wake of the theft.

ldaniel@mavs.coloradomesa.edu

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