'Purple' walk/run to raise awareness of domestic violence

Source: The Sun, Yuma, Ariz.文件倉Sept. 28--Get ready for an event that promises to turn Gateway Park a pretty purple, all while giving purple people information that hopefully saves lives one day.With a blast of colorful powder released into the air by hundreds of participants, the Paint the Town PURPLE 5K Run/Walk kicks off Oct. 12. The event will serve as a fundraiser for Amberly's Place and provide a powerful opportunity for advocates to educate the public about domestic violence.Organizers say all 300-some walkers will be given packets of purple powder, along with about 40 volunteers assigned to "bomb" the event with as much purple as possible."It's all going to be purple. It's the only color we're using," said Diane Umphress, executive director for Amberly's Place. "We're telling people to come get purple!"The color is associated with Domestic Violence Awareness Month."This idea just came about because people have had so much fun with the Color Me Rad runs. We want to do something special to bring attention to domestic violence," Umphress said, adding that the social problem too often "takes a backseat" to other issues observed during October. "We have the cure for domestic violence. People need to report it. We need to keep on top of it."Paint the Town PURPLE 5K Run/Walk will go from 8 a.m. to noon Oct. 12 at Gateway Park, located beneath the Ocean to Ocean Bridge. Registration starts at 7 a.m.In addition to the event存倉itself, Paint the Town PURPLE 5K Run/Walk will also aim to educate through information provided by numerous community organizations, which will have booths.Law enforcement agencies will also be available to provide information and answer questions the public might have about domestic violence.Those community organizations all provide services to victims of domestic abuse."We want to bring the issue of domestic violence out of the closet and bring it out front," Umphress said. "We want this event to be a place where people feel comfortable talking and asking questions."The cost to enter is $20 through Monday. After that, the price will rise to $30.The entry fee includes a shirt, sunglasses, bracelet and a color packet. "The sunglasses will help you not get the color in your eyes," Umphress said, adding that all the purple fun is just safe, nontoxic cornstarch."This event is open for families. Children under 12 don't have to pay the registration fee, but they don't get a shirt, sunglasses or color packet," Umphress said. "This event is open to all ages because domestic violence affects the whole family."Runners and walkers can register at AmberlysPlace.com or at the Amberly's Place Thrift Shoppe, 812 S. Ave. A. For more information, call 373-0849.People can also register at the event.Copyright: ___ (c)2013 The Sun (Yuma, Ariz.) Visit The Sun (Yuma, Ariz.) at .yumasun.com Distributed by MCT Information Services儲存