The Criterion, and by extension, Colorado Mesa University will participate for the first time in the Men in Heels race that benefits victims of domestic violence. Next month, a team of men will wear heels as a means to raise awareness and funding.
“I learned about the race last year when we did a news article about it,” Editor in Chief of The Criterion Chris DeLeon said. “This year I wanted to do more than simply cover the event. I wanted to get involved to show the community that CMU students care about Mesa County and that we deeply care about those who become victims of horrendous acts.”
Men in Heels is an event that occurs each year to raise funding to support the Latimer House. Each team is made up of five men who will run a race wearing high heel shoes. This is the first year that any organization within CMU has been involved, and this year’s team will be members of The Criterion.
The race will occur on Thursday, Sept. 13 at 5:30 p.m. during the downtown Farmers Market on Colorado Avenue between 4th and 5th Streets. The motto of the race is ‘Because a real man would run a mile in her shoes!’
Latimer House is an organization that helps victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Both of these crimes are so prevalent in todays society, and there are not many places for the victim to go for help. Victims of these crimes may not know where to go, what to do or even how to get help. Some victims become isolated.
Latimer House is here to help those victims to not isolate themselves and to get through the tragedy and regain control over their lives. They provide a 24 hour crisis line, emergency shelter, advocacy, individual and group counseling as well as services for children. It is an organization run by Hilltop’s Resource Center.
“I can’t even begin to count how many women and children I personally know of who have been victims or exposed to domestic violence and sexual assault. Sometimes those victims may feel like there is no way out,” DeLeon said. “Latimer provides that way out and a way up. The service they provide is something no monetary value can actually match. I hope we are able to use our platform and influence to bring them more contributions and support so they can keep helping people who may feel helpless.”
Last year, DeLeon and The Criterion took a stance against sexual assault and he was frustrated by what he perceived to be backlash against his organization rather than support for the victim. He hopes that participating in an event designed to use a fun event to raise awareness for a serious issue will have a more positive impact than previously experienced.
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“I’m going to take lessons learned from last year and try a different approach. Maybe people will donate or come watch simply for the joy of watching me fall on my face as I try to run in heels,” DeLeon said. ” No matter what, though, I hope to set a precedent of CMU organizations supporting Latimer House. Watching us try to run in heels is definitely going to be funny, but the cause it represents is no laughing matter.”
Those interested in helping have a few methods to do so. As a team running in the relay race, The Criterion is also taking donations to be given to Latimer House. Donations can be brought to The Criterion office located next to Student Life on the second floor of the University Center or delivered to Hilltop.
Additionally, those interested in donating to the Latimer House can log on to https://meninheelsrace.org and select a team to donate through. DeLeon would prefer the donations go through The Criterion/CMU team listed, but any team may be selected. The money goes directly to Hilltop with no proceeds going to any of the teams.