Fresno State Athletics
Domestic Violence Awareness Night March 16
3/13/2010 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 13, 2010
FRESNO, Calif. - The Seventh Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Night and Walk A Mile In Her Shoes Event is Tuesday, March 16th as the Fresno State softball team hosts Princeton at 6 p.m. For the event Fresno State softball is participating with the Women's Resource Center on campus and the Marjaree Mason Center to raise awareness about domestic violence. The night is in honor of head coach Margie Wright's sister who was a victim.
"Over the past year, the City of Fresno has experienced a 30% increase in domestic violence, said Justin Red director of communications for the Marjaree Mason Center. "Meanwhile, due to our state's budget crisis, the Marjaree Mason Center has lost 20% of its revenue. Basically, what this means is our community has more victims than ever who need help, but there are now fewer resources available to help them. Only with the support of the community can we correct this problem."
The night begins with the Walk A Mile In Her Shoes Event hosted by the Violence Prevention Project at Fresno State. Activities will start at the Free Speech Area on campus at 4:45 p.m. All men are encouraged to participate and literally `Walk a Mile' in women's shoes to show their effort to stop the violence against women. The walk concludes at Bulldog Diamond just prior to the Bulldogs 6 p.m. game time as those participating will walk onto the field and a survivor will throw out the first pitch.
The community is encouraged to donate shoes for the event. The shoes, women's size nine and up, can be dropped off at the Women's Resource Center at UC-125 the Student Life Division of Student Affairs or the Fresno State Marketing Department on 1510 E. Shaw in Fresno, Suite 103.
To participate in the walk or to receive more information on the event please contact the Violence Prevention Project at (559) 278-5696 or the Fresno State Marketing office at (559) 244-5627.
"I believe strongly that Athletics and sports is a great avenue to not only compete but also bring issues that affect everyday lives to the forefront," said Wright. "Getting to partner with these two groups gives all of us a venue to promote domestic violence awareness. My hope in doing this is to keep another family from the devastation that my family and I have shared because of domestic violence."
The Marjaree Mason Center will have a table on the concourse of Bulldog Diamond prior and during the game with information on domestic violence. Fans are encouraged to bring items that are much needed at the Center. Acceptable items include: disposable diapers, art supplies for children, new standard size pillows and pillow cases, toothpaste, hair brushes, Pine-Sol, paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, hand soap and any canned food products. Monetary donations will also be taken.
"Donated items brought to the game will go directly to help victims of domestic violence staying at our shelters," said Red. "Every year more than 350 women, and 600 children receive safe haven at the Marjaree Mason Center." All fans that sign up for the walk and/or make a donation to the Women's Resource Center or Marjaree Mason will receive a free ticket to the game. For more information on the Marjaree Mason center log on to www.mmcenter.org.
"We're thrilled to continue our partnership with Bulldog Softball and Coach Wright. During these difficult economic times, we need the support of the community more than ever, so Fresno State Softball's efforts to raise awareness of our cause are especially meaningful this year."
"We Are Your Team" - Fresno State Softball will be hosting Domestic Violence Awareness Night at Bulldog Diamond on Tuesday, March 16th at 6pm when they test the Princeton Tigers. Get your Two-for-Tuesday (buy-one-get-one-free) tickets now at the Bulldog Ticket Office or by calling 278-DOGS.
