During the week of Oct. 18 through 24, the YWCA Mohawk Valley is giving local residents a chance to speak out, dine out, and take a stand against violence in our community.
On Tuesday, Oct. 20, the YWCA will host Take Back the Night at Hanna Park in Utica from 6 to 9 p.m. The evening will include a rally, a one-mile march through the city, and a speak-out session for individuals impacted by violence. This powerful event is free and open to the public. No photos or filming will be allowed during the speak-out portion of the evening.
On Friday, Oct. 23, from 6 to 8 p.m., Kimberly and Raymond Meier will host Reclaiming Freedom, a cocktail reception to benefit the YWCA. The event will take place at UFCW Local One, 5911Airport Rd, Oriskany. The evening features hors d’oeurves and signature cocktails by Patrick O’Connor’s A Moveable Feast and music by the Wes Hughes Jazz Quartet and the Hamilton College Buffers. Tickets are $60 per person or $100 per couple. Advance reservations are required. For tickets, contact Mary Davidson, 732-2159 ext. 235, or mdavidson@ywcamv.org.
On Saturday, Oct. 24, join the YWCA for the 5th Annual Freedom From Running, a 5K fundraising run/walk to benefit the YWCA and its domestic and sexual violence programs. The event takes place at Utica Marina, 16 Harbor Lock Road (off North Genesee St.).This year, New York State’s First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson will participate in the event. An avid runner, First Lady Patterson is also a domestic violence survivor who lends her voice to help raise awareness about the issue.
Start time for the run is 9 a.m.; the walk begins at 9:05. Pre-registration is $20. Registration the day of the event is $25. Refreshments and goodie bags will be available to all who participate.
October 18 through 24 is the national YWCA Week Without Violence, which occurs during national Domestic Violence Awareness Month. For a full listing of October domestic violence awareness events, please visit www.ywcamv.org or contact the YWCA at 732-2159
If you or someone you know is faced with domestic violence, please call the YWCA’s confidential 24-hour domestic violence hotline, which serves all of Oneida County, at 797-7740. Advocates and crisis counselors are available to offer information and assistance.