This year's Walk a Mile in Her Shoes was impacting, to say the least. Men stood tall because they struggled within their heels, proudly holding signs that shouted, 'MEN Should be PART OF THE SOLUTION,' and, 'CONSENT IS SEXY.' They were spotted in everything from Dorothy shoes to cowboy boots, cork wedges to stilettos, as well as some marabou feathered kitten heels made their way onto a set of man feet. One of SARC's male advocates set the bar high for his fellow gentlemen, arriving in a fully tailored suit, with stylish slides to complete the ensemble. Equally notable, was an entire professional jiu jitsu team who sported their full jiu jitsu attire and matching patent leather red pumps tall enough to make Anna Wintour turn green. Sprinkled one of the stylish heels, awareness signs, and SARC t-shirts, were fresh Voo Doo Doughnuts, face painting, raffle prizes, or even a team of storm troopers who came out to support the cause.
To signal the start of the walk, a loud siren whirred at the starting line. Wives walked alongside their husbands. Men held both your hands of their daughters. Boys boldly strutted their mother's high heels, fully aware of the things they represented. Honks of support rang with the streets surrounding Beaverton City Park, and individuals walking by whistled in appreciation. Although it was probably the slowest (to support heel height), most unsteady, and uncomfortable walk, when compared to usual charity walks Portlanders are used to, it was also incredibly moving in everything these shoes represented.
The high heels seen at Beaverton City Park on Saturday designed a bolder statement than the sole of the Louboutin, and that's quite a feat. Overall, these designer shoes, in other words the outstanding men (and women) inside them, raised as many as $12,103 for SARC's fight against sexual assault. SARC's mission: 'To promote social justice by eliminating sexual violence within our community through education, support and advocacy.' And they are now one mile closer to victory.