The 10th Annual Purple Run, a 5K walk/run benefitting the SafeHouse Center is scheduled to take place Saturday, October 19.
The yearly event is hosted by the U-M Division of Public Safety and Security, Ann Arbor Police Department, and the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office.
“We have been very proud to co-host such a great event benefiting the SafeHouse Center for several years,” said Chief Crystal James of the University of Michigan Police Department. “It’s something our division looks forward to every year to help promote the organization and bring awareness to the issue of domestic violence and sexual assault, and stand with the survivors of our community.”
The mission of the SafeHouse Center is to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault throughout the community. By offering free and confidential services, they strive to help all survivors and their families who live, work, or were victimized in Washtenaw County.
“A lot of people only think of SafeHouse Center as a domestic violence shelter and we are so much more than that,” said Christine Watson, Executive Director of the SafeHouse Center. “We have support groups, we offer legal information and guidance including assistance with Personal Protection Orders, we show up at local hospitals when survivors present for issues related to domestic violence and sexual assault.”
Watson says the Purple Run is important because on top of being a fundraiser for the center, it also provides an opportunity for them to engage our community and highlight how impactful domestic violence is and show survivors that we care.
Last year, nearly 300 participants showed up to the event to support the organization to continue their work throughout the community.
“The Purple Run brings our community together to build awareness, raise funds, and support survivors,” said Eli Savit, Prosecuting Attorney for Washtenaw County. “It’s a crucial community event—because all of us have a role to play in the fight against domestic violence.”
Registration for the event is open until 9:00 am the morning of the event, with online registration ending at midnight on October 18. Participants that register before October 12 will receive a race t-shirt and a souvenir.
The run starts and ends at the Duderstadt Center. Registration is $35 for adults, $30 for students, and children 12 and under are free.
To register, or to find more information, click here.