Walking for Courtney and Domestic Violence Victims Everywhere

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October is often a bittersweet time of year as the trees fill with vibrant yellow and orange leaves, the temperature starts to drop and daylight hours slowly decrease. This year we approached October with a heavy heart reflecting on the past three months without Courtney, and preparing entrance into a holiday filled season in which she loved and lived for.

(Brainstorm, Halloween 2017)

 As Courtney's Allies continue to seek knowledge and understanding, and find our place in this world, we felt it was important to gather as a community to show support to survivors, remember those who have been lost, and keep the conversations going. 

 Race Day
It was a high of 42 degrees and light rain as we gathered at the shelter the morning of the race. Bundled up and ready to go, the pavilion was filled with smiles, people lending a helping hand and chatter. The music was upbeat and shared messages of empowerment and strength. Most importantly, our community showed up, sending a strong message that we care and together we can make a difference. I was in complete awe as I looked around to see people providing comfort in hugs, laughter and sharing stories. Runners and walkers alike dressed in their best athletic gear strewn with purple accoutrements. In short, it's something Courtney would have loved. 



  The Allies worked collectively to create banners and signs honoring the lives of the four women who were murdered in Vermont in 2018 as a direct result of domestic violence and to educate the public with startling yet true statistics on domestic violence in Vermont. 


The race far exceeded the expectations in both attendees and money raise with over $4,000 and a multitude of donations given directly to Circle, which is a domestic violence advocacy and assistance organization that serves central Vermont communities. Circle is comprised of 7 people who work around the clock to provide shelter to those fleeing abuse, a 24 hour crisis hotline which is confidential and available for those experiencing abuse directly or seeking more information to help a friend or family member in need. Circle provides court and legal resources, issuing 139 relief from abuse orders this year, and sitting with victims while they endure the court process and face the abuser. Circle holds weekly support groups providing childcare, and offers educational workshops within the community. This year Circle answered 5,781 calls to the hotline and served 1,500 people directly. In meeting with Circle's team, they are a compassionate group with great ideas around how to decrease these numbers and best support victims and survivors. Courtney's Allies share the common goal to change the culture of domestic violence through education and empowerment. We are looking forward to next year encouraging new members of the community to join us in providing support to domestic violence advocacy groups throughout the state. Together we can make a difference! 




THANK YOU to our amazing sponsors for making all of this possible!
Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, Green Mountain Power, Green Light Real Estate, Granite City Group Fitness, Ellie & Shirly's Simply Delicious, Our House of Central Vermont, Maria's Bagels, Hannaford Supermarket, Machia Wilderness Camp, Barre Jazzercise Fitness Club and Conti Oil. With media support from Burlington Free Press.

Elsewhere
Elsewhere an ally from afar trekked a half marathon in the Alaskan wilderness with her toddler donning shirts in Courtney's memory. The terrain was arguably some of the toughest she had ever attempted to conquered, but through the pain of carrying a 30lb toddler on her back, she persevered in Courtney's honor and in honor of everyone who could no longer walk or run or do anything because life was stolen from them.

Takeaways
July 4, 2018 is a day that will forever be etched into our memories. It is our hope that we can create a new slew of days each year that we will remember and on which we can move forward and provide hope for a future free of domestic violence related deaths.




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