The Center for Empowerment and Education, formerly the Women’s Center, held its 16th annual SafeWalk, a three-day long virtual event on the first weekend in October.
SafeWalk is The Center’s premier event to unite the community in their vision to end domestic violence and raise funds to support programs and services that are provided at no cost. Thanks to an anonymous donor for their generous donation in honor of Ridgefield residents, Rebecca Ciota and Chip Neumann, The Center raised well over $75,000 in sponsorships, registrations, and peer-to-peer fundraising. Hundreds of individuals on over 20 teams ran, walked, hiked, and creatively moved their way to a 4k from across the Greater Danbury area to Yankee Stadium, Virginia, South Carolina, Michigan, and as far as California.
SafeWalk Chair, Kathy Graham of Ridgefield, expressed her gratitude. “It is very rewarding to see communities recognize the value of The Center's work and come together to support SafeWalk. SafeWalk has two primary goals. One is to raise funds to support the programs that The Center can offer for free to its clients. The second, equally important goal, is to raise awareness of The Center’s programs and services so that people know help is available if needed. Thank you everyone for making this such a successful event.”
Participants sported one-of-a-kind 2022 SafeWalk t-shirts and pet registration was back providing bandanas for pets walking with their families. Other participants wore purple in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a nationwide month of action that celebrates survivors and raises awareness not only about the issue but also about the services available to help victims of survivors be safer.
Chip Neumann of Ridgefield was The Center’s top individual fundraiser. Fairfield County Bank’s Strength in Numbers was the highest fundraising team for the fourth year in a row. Newtown High School’s Girls Inspiring Girls claimed the title of the highest youth fundraising team also for the fourth year in a row. These teams were joined by many others all dedicated to help fund The Center’s critical work in the community.
To donate, please visit thecenterct.org or contact Linda Cummins, Special Events Manager at 203-731-5200 x232 or linda.c@thecenterct.org