Around 50 men slipped into pairs of bright red and pink high heels Friday for a quick dash around the block in downtown Santa Cruz during the 2023 Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event.
In its 11th year, the annual fun-filled gathering originated as a fundraiser for Monarch Services and has thus fanned out to promote awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault.
The Walk featured male employees of Santa Cruz County Bank and their local business partners, including Bay Federal Credit Union, Brereton Law Office, Commons & Burt Builders, Swenson Builders, Sandbar Solar, Santa Cruz Warriors and others.
“Let me tell you—even the first 50 feet was tough,” said Doug Fisher, senior vice president for Santa Cruz County Bank. “But it’s worth it—to be able to help places like Monarch Services. They’re an amazing community service for our community.”
After a brief welcoming ceremony, the crowd of heeled runners burst out from the starting line in an awkward and jilted sprint, twice around the River Street branch of the bank while being coaxed on by the Santa Cruz Warriors mascot, Mav’Riks.
“We’re thrilled with this year’s turnout,” Fischer said. “It’s encouraging to see the number of participants grow each year. Monarch provides vital services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The Walk is a lighthearted and welcoming invitation to the community to learn more about a serious issue and the people who are helping those in crisis.”
Leeann Luna, program director of Monarch Services, said, “We are excited to partner, once again, in this fun event that supports our vital services to empower individuals, families and our communities to take action against violence and abuse.”
At the close of the race, Fischer was pulled from the cheering crowd to be presented the “He’s Got Legs Award.”
Monarch Services has been providing community assistance to survivors of violence for more than 45 years. Their services include counseling, shelter, emergency financial aid, transportation, support groups and more. Monarch Services is the only rape crisis and human trafficking center in Santa Cruz County. All services are available in Spanish and English and are free or low cost.
