WALK A MILE--THE MARCH 2009

On Saturday, April 4th bright and early in the morning Board President Alan Scott, LRCC Counselor Christina Sapien, Dr. Mike Iezzi and Executive Director Kim Stark could be seen at the intersection of Main and Texas constructing barriers to block one lane of traffic as we prepared for the Lubbock Rape Crisis Center's 2nd annual Walk a Mile in her Shoes men's march to speak out against sexual assault.

Board member Kristin Murray drove up and Dr. Francisco Ortega and his multi-talented TTU art students: Katie Cawthon, Nicole Clarke, Callie Dove, Alberto Herrera, Melissa Hyde, Adam Mulsow, Samwise Smith, Nicole Sparrow and Lindsay Tawney who also creatively designed the LRCC t-shirts, posters, and After Party program quickly assisted her by unloading eight (8) tables that were quickly set up in a square to designate the hub of activity for registration, shoe pick-up/drop off and information booths.

Board member Bryan Studer swiftly grabbed some zip ties and began affixing the LRCC Walk a Mile banner to the gazebo while we all said a silent thank you to Mandy Reeves for making sure the sound system was set up in the gazebo, the chairs and extra trash cans were set in out.

Gloria Caballero and the United Way Youth Division soon joined us and under the direction of Board Secretary/Treasurer Ernie Wilson they quickly began slicing tomatoes in preparation for lunch as well as icing down bottles of water for the marchers.

Once everything was set up, we took a deep breath and relaxed a couple of minutes then almost as if on cue....people began arriving.

Veteran Volunteer Maria Sheehan and Administrative Assistant Serena Hilliard once again manned the registration booth and greeted the marchers with a smile. The very first marcher on the scene was Gordon Cargill, he ambled up to the registration desk with his walker. We later learned that Gordon is in his 80's and works at LCU. He put on the heels and proudly marched with his head held high. He was truly an inspiration!

Christina and Dr. Iezzi soon joined Serena and Maria at the registration booth and began handing out the colorfully decorated sacks containing the pre-registered marchers shoes and T-shirts while Case Manager/Volunteer Coordinator pitched in where ever she was needed as she managed to snap some amazing photos. Assistant Director Linsey McCutchin energetically flitted from place to place expertly pulling all the various aspects together to ensure the march progressed without a hitch.

Sheriff David Gutierrez rolled up on his motorcycle wearing a black leather jacket and looked like a tough biker dude even when he pulled out his size 17 hot pink bedazzled shoes--which were fabulous. The Sheriff also took time to speak ever so eloquently to our videographer LRCC Volunteer Keena Pruitt. We take comfort in knowing this tough guy has a big enough heart to stand up in 5 inch heels and speak out against rape.

Mayor Tom Martin kicked off the opening ceremony with a few heartfelt words of encouragement and signed a proclamation declaring April Sexual Assault Awareness month and relinquished the microphone to Criminal District Attorney Matt Powell who delivered a brief but powerful message about rape and the negative effects it has on victims and the community; he was followed at the microphone by Sheriff Gutierrez who provided quick encouragement to the marchers and voiced his support for the cause.

Marchers then began to form a line behind the Chamber of Commerce members who were holding a ribbon as Board President Alan Scott sliced through the ribbon with a pair of giant scissors, Mike Proper began to play a soulful tune on his bagpipes signifying the marches start.

Coach Speck and his football team from Lubbock High quickly took the lead in the march as the United Way Youth Division perched on the edge of the sidewalk thrusting bottles of ice cold water into the hands of the marchers as they teetered past.

Tim Berry with UMC Lubbock EMS graciously donated his time and services to keep a watchful eye out for any marchers twisting ankles or taking unexpected plunges into the concrete sidewalk. Luckily, all of the marchers remained upright!

We were extremely pleased to see the march doubled in size this year. Women were a welcomed addition in the march; some with strollers and holding the hands of their younger children as they pushed through the march while other women provided some necessary stability through a supportive shoulder or hand extended to their husbands/boyfriends as they wobbled in their high heeled shoes. Some marchers even brought their pets.

Once the march concluded free burger lunches were offered to all. U.S. Food Services donated the burger fixings and Atmos Energy brought "Big Blue" out to cook the burgers for crowd.

The march was a smashing success on many levels. It was a lot fun and a chance for the community to come together for a worthy cause. More importantly it paid respect to the victims that have endured this horrible crime and brought to light the serious issue of rape and the need to end this senseless crime.

Celebration--The After Party

The After Party is our chance to celebrate the culmination of planning, stressing and the fruitful result of all the hard work that went into day's events. Still basking in the afterglow of the success of the 2nd annual LRCC Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Men's March we cheerfully headed across town to prepare for the After Party. We were greeted by Melissa Dorgant and the TTU Sorority Fashion Board who expertly got the place decorated in a matter of minutes! It looked spectacular!! Anna Holland donated her time to assemble the centerpieces --the tulips were the perfect touch. Don Gabbert strummed his guitar and sang enthusiastically while the guest arrived and began mingling. Ernie Wilson was recognized as the LRCC Volunteer of the Year and the entire evening was a tribute LRCC Co-Founder Sellie Shine. Deaton Rigsby and his "other brother" Byrnie Bass had the crowd rolling in the aisles as they conducted the live auction. It was truly entertainment at its finest.

A special thanks goes out to the generous business that so graciously donated items to make the silent and live auctions a success:

10/20 Boutique                      
Addington Buffalo Company           
Adornment Studios
Balloons by the Bunch          
Bath Junkie                    
Chaparral Ridge Golf
College Flowers                   
Dillards                                        
Down Memory Lane  
Hat Creek Trading Co.     
Hawthorn Suites           
Hippy Chic                 
Hodge Podge                    
HollyHock's     
Hulla B'lu       
Jeanie's Gift Baskets        
JoniKeith                    
Kate Spade Store       
Kate Williams, Artist   
The Luggage Shop           
Lynn Day, Sculptor
M.G. Jewelers             
Meadowbrook Golf Course         
Merry Maids  
Ocean's Day Spa                  
Pat Reed, Artist                     
Quick Quack Car Wash
Red Raider Outfitter          
Relax the Back Store         
Spoil me Rotten         
Super 8 Motel                 
Texas Elk Company        
TTU Theater Department
TonyToni                       
Rep. Randy Neugebaeur        
Sen. Robert Duncan
Southwest Airlines

We also could not have done the event without our Corporate Sponsors: McCutchin Constructions, Women's Protective Services & Charles Perry, CPA, TTUHSC School of Nursing, Thompson & Kerby Law Firm and United Supermarkets.

We would also like to thank the following: Atmos Energy, City Beasley & Caballero Law Firm, Bijou Hair Salon, City Bank, Coca Cola Bottling, Gandy's, Glacier Arctic, J.P. Fundwear, Lubbock Wholesale Floral, Mayfield Paper, Imprint Commercial Printing, Sierra Water, and U.S. Food Service for helping to make this year's event a huge success.