Kat’s PowerWalkers Adding Up Miles and Dollars For an Important Cause
Story by: Cheryl Kravitz
Thirty teams are on the move raising funds for victims of domestic abuse and their children. With almost two weeks left to go, the Montgomery County Family Justice Center Foundation’s first Virtual 11k is commemorating Domestic Violence Awareness Month and 11 years of service. “Every penny we raise counts,” said Resa Levy, Executive Director of the Foundation. “Lives are being saved through the work of the Montgomery County Family Justice Center, and we must do what we can to help those in need.”
Katalina Posada has put together a team of 76 people from across the United States as well as Australia, Dubai and Mexico. “As a survivor, it is my duty to speak up and bring awareness about abuse. The 11k event has brought together communities near and far and I am honored that my team, Kat’s PowerWalkers has 76 people strong, raised $3,500 and in half a month has logged in over 2,210 km,” she said.
“I’ve been a member of the Montgomery County FJC Foundation planning committee since 2014. I have learned so much from the wonderful people who have paved the way for this initiative for the last 11 years and also had the opportunity to speak to hundreds of people about the warning signs of dating abuse, sexual assault prevention, safety plans and informing people about not being a bystander anymore.”
Members of the team are raising funds and adding up their miles. Courtney and Michael Murphy, Owners of Fireborne Athletics, are committed to doing what they can to support the effort. “We love having the opportunity to support an organization that helps one of the most vulnerable, often voiceless populations. So often, victims are afraid to speak out about their experiences.
“As gym owners and advocates for health and fitness, we believe that this 11k not only inspires people to take control of their health, both physically and emotionally, but also provides a healthy outlet for survivors themselves. Fitness improves confidence and confidence promotes empowerment; empowerment to stand up, to speak up, and to move forward.”
The diversity of teams speaks to the commitment of residents of Montgomery County and beyond to help victims of abuse. Members of the County Council, business community and two chapters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. are among those participating.
Debbie Feinstein, a member of Kat’s PowerWalkers said, “Pursuing justice for survivors of abuse has been my life’s work. Being able to support the FJC through exercise has been gratifying and invigorating. The 11K has been an incredible way to use exercise to fight against injustice and to support domestic violence survivors. Each push of the pedals or step on the road raises more awareness for the cause.”
Another team member, Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner Katie Swift, agrees. “As a forensic nurse I have sent countless patients to the FJC for resources that will help them build a new life and heal. The work that they do is invaluable to this community. Participating in this 11k and raising awareness for the FJC is my way of saying thank you.”
Ms. Levy stressed that there is still time to get involved. She noted that participants can walk, run or stroll 11k (6.835 miles) any time, any place during the month of October.
Cost is $35.00 plus a $3.00 signup fee. Registration runs through October 30, 2020 at 11:59 PM EDT. Link to the website is: https://runsignup.com/Race/MD/YourTown/VirtualFJC11k Options include signing up as individual or team. Hashtag for the 11K is #MoCoFJC11K.
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