Hope Alliance staff thought Saturday’s chilly rain would deter walkers from joining the nonprofit’s "Walk a Mile In Their Shoes" event, but to their pleasant surprise, about 50 walkers showed up to raise awareness about the causes, effects and remediations to sexualized violence.
“We were all very pleasantly surprised and happy. And hopefully next time we do this, the weather will cooperate,” Hope Alliance Director Kris Camenzind said.
Walkers gathered at Tiger Stadium in downtown Centralia on Saturday to walk a mile around the track to raise awareness for issues surrounding sexualized violence.
While the event was free for participants, sponsors and donors raised almost $7,000 for Hope Alliance.
“I couldn’t even believe it, we were so excited,” Camenzind said. “It was a really nice, generous event. I slept well that night. My heart was full.”
Hope Alliance, a nonprofit serving survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse, is continuing its full calendar of events through the remainder of Sexual Assault Awareness Month to raise money and awareness for issues surrounding sexual assault.
For more information on the nonprofit, visit https://hopealliancelc.org/.
Girls Night Out
April 23 starting at The Station Coffee Bar & Bistro, 120 S. Tower Ave., Centralia; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Girls Night Out is a retail promotion for shopping, dining and entertainment in downtown Centralia that is sponsored by the Centralia Downtown Association. Two dollars from every $5 event program sold will go as a donation to Hope Alliance. Those with the program get a list of participating businesses, enjoy the shop specials and have a chance to win the drawing for one of the downtown business gift baskets. More information will be available at https://www.facebook.com/DowntownCentraliaGirlsNightOut/. Those looking for more details can also call 360-736-4333.
Hope Alliance '100 Hole Marathon’
April 27 at High Cedars Golf Course in Orting
Head Golf Professional & PGA Associate Austin Abbott and PGA General Manager Trent Henning will partner with the Pacific Northwest section PGA and embark on a challenge to play 100 holes to benefit Hope Alliance of Lewis County.
Donations can be made online at https://gofund.me/87569ef7.
“Thank you in advance for your support as we endeavor to play 100 holes before dark on April 27. Both Austin and Trent will be providing updates on the number of holes played, birdies made, and energy drinks consumed throughout the day!” wrote the organizers.
Vagina Monologues
April 28 and 29; Centralia College; 6:30 p.m.
Hope Alliance and Centralia College are partnering to deliver their rendition of the Vagina Monologues, an episodic play by Eve Ensler. Presented by the Centralia College student Justice, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) committee. A $5 donation is requested.
LunaFest
April 30; virtual screening
The Lewis County American Association of University Women presents its sixth annual LunaFest, a program of short films that empower and inspire. This year’s stories are told from a variety of perspectives that champion women and gender nonconforming individuals, highlighting their aspirations, accomplishments, resilience, strength and connection.
Sign-in starts at 8 a.m. and viewing is available for up to 48 hours. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at https://www.lunafest.org/screenings/virtual-lewis-county-aauw-043022. Proceeds benefit both Hope Alliance and Women Supporting Women scholarships.
Bingo with Benefits
April 30; McFiler’s, 543 Northwest Pacific Ave., Centralia; 2 p.m.
A family-friendly drag bingo. “Be sure to get there early to get your bingo cards, grab a seat, and enjoy some delicious food and drinks,” wrote the organizers.
Two cards/two games: $5; eight games/eight cards: $20.
Winners choose from prize baskets donated by local businesses. Organizers are also looking to collect gently used or new purses and toiletry items “perfect for any person starting over.” More details will be available at https://www.facebook.com/events/364675835343044.
