Words of chatter, inspiration and encouragement filled the chilly air Saturday morning as 53 community members, college students and 60 volunteers participated in the 1 in 5K Neon Fun Walk/Run at Yanney Park.
The race was sponsored by the UNK Women’s Center and Verify Youth Group, a community organization at the SAFE Center. This first potentially annual event was created in an effort to spread the word to the community about domestic and sexual violence.
One in five women will experience attempted or completed rape in her lifetime, according to a National Sexual Violence Resource Center report. In addition, one in five men will experience sexual violence other than rape in his lifetime.
Nikki Gausman, executive director at the SAFE Center in Kearney said that is “unacceptable,” which is why bringing awareness to the community is crucial.
“Part of (the youth group’s) mission is really to raise awareness about issues of violence that have affected their peers and affected their community,” Gausman said. “A big part of that is addressing day-to-day violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and helping people recognize that they’re part of the prevention.”
Originally the 1 in 5K Walk/Run was scheduled for April during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, but due to bad weather the SAFE Center rescheduled for September which worked out because October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
“We are just trying to put out some awareness for both of those issues,” Gausman said.
One participant in Saturday’s event showed her support by running and getting involved in the non-profit organization itself.
“Last semester I interned at the SAFE center and I actually got to see the hard work that the youth group and SAFE Center staff put in the for event,” said Savannah High, of Bertrand. “So I really wanted to support them today and bring awareness to the cause as well.”
The verify groups at the SAFE Center will be putting together a commercial in February as it’s Teen Dating Violence Awareness month. Gausman said everyone can do a part in helping someone else and help prevent violence.
Gausman added, “We have had great support from UNK’s Women Center and just from sororities to help make this happen.”
Saturday’s race was not timed and cost $20 per person. All proceeds went to verified groups at SAFE Center so they can do more to support prevention. Participants received a T-shirt, water, a Verified water bottle and prizes were handed out.
Saturday’s race was not timed and cost $20 per person. All proceeds went to verified groups at SAFE Center so they can do more to support prevention. Participants received a T-shirt, water, a Verified water bottle and prizes were handed out.