Hood SAAC Participates in "Walk in Her Shoes" Fundraising Event

FREDERICK, Md.--Several male members of Hood College's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee joined together in a fundraiser to help create awareness for violence against women Saturday at Carroll Creek. The event, "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes", was organized to raise funds for the Heartly House, Inc., which assists Frederick County residents who have been impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.

All men participating in the event had to walk one mile in high-heeled shoes provided by the Heartly House to raise awareness for this important issue that is affecting thousands of women today. An anonymous donor graciously paid for the entry fees for the Hood student-athletes who participated. SAAC advisor and head softball coach Kate Barrick and the members of SAAC sincerely appreciate the generous donation by the donor.

Members from the basketball, soccer, swimming and lacrosse teams were on hand to show their support for the cause. Junior Justin Stone of the men's basketball team thought the event was a successful one. "It was amazing to see all the men out there to support the cause to stop rape, sexual assault and violence," said Stone.

In total, 16 Hood student-athletes contributed and walked the mile in heels. Even though a few of them might have needed some bandaids after the walk, all participants helped in raising awareness to stop violence against women. "It was a great event and I was glad to be a part of it," said Stone.

Hood student-athletes who participated in the Walk-A-Mile included sophomore Nick May, soccer; first-year James Weger, lacrosse; junior Justin Stone, basketball; sophomore Mike Higgs, lacrosse; sophomore Connor Eliff, swimming; senior Dylan O'Connell, lacrosse; senior Jon Butterfield, soccer; sophomore Mark Filuta, lacrosse; junior Will Lane, soccer/lacrosse; senior Mike Yencho, soccer; sophomore Ryan Hutchings, basketball; sophomore Randolph Clark, lacrosse; sophomore Chris Mahone, soccer; sophomore Dom Cetrone, lacrosse; senior Mike Gallion, lacrosse; and first-year Joey McCulloh, lacrosse.