Walk for domestic violence awareness planned

MARION — When he was in "about fifth grade," Joshua M. Blauser Jr. began to hear classmates talk about being hurt by their family members at home.

He saw some of the results, too. The accounts of domestic violence stuck with him.

As a consequence, Blauser, a junior studying public safety services at Tri-Rivers Career Center, didn't hesitate when his criminal justice instructor, Terry Donaugh, talked to his class about wanting to resume a fundraising event for Turning Point, a domestic violence shelter, counseling center and advocacy center in Marion.

"I told him I would love to be involved," the 17-year-old said. "He handed over the reins to me, and I kind of took over."

The event he organized, Walk a Mile in Their Shoes, will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at the former Marion Catholic High School, 1001 Mount Vernon Ave., where he hopes to have at least 100 people walking one mile and raising at least $1,000 in donations, with proceeds going to Turning Point.

Blauser's efforts and those of the other volunteers helping with the event have the appreciation of Stephanie Rowe, Turning Point community education coordinator.

"I think it's a great event for what he's doing," Rowe said. "It gets the community involved and helps them become more aware of the issue of domestic violence, especially since October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I think it's a great event. I think it's great, too, that it used to be Walk a Mile in Her Shoes. I like how he said that it changed to Walk a Mile in Their Shoes because domestic violence affects not solely women, but men, women and children."

Blauser said he's excited to have the opportunity to put the event together, and added he liked the concept of the original Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event hosted in 2013, which called for men to wear women's high heels when they participate in the walk.

No walk took place last year because of a "timing problem," Tri-Rivers spokeswoman Ellen Messenger said.

Women are asked to walk in men's shoes and men in women's shoes for this year's event, but it's not required, Blauser said.

"The whole thing is domestic violence," he said. "That's something that hits home for me. ... I want to do as much as I can to support Turning Point and domestic violence awareness. Every family has their ups and downs. ... It was more seeing other kids in my class grow up around it, kids that would come to school with bruises and all kinds of horrible stories. To this day, I'm still very sympathetic about it."

He's successfully sought assistance for the day of the walk from the Harding High School marching band, of which he is a member, and donations of pizza from local restaurants, as well as donations of raffle items from other local businesses. He also invited Tri-Rivers digital media and cosmetology students. The Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association will provide traffic control.

The 1-mile walk will head east from its start at the former school to Perkins Cake & Steak across Ohio 95 and back to the former school building.

Donaugh said the first Walk a Mile had about 60 participants and raised about $600 minus expenses, with proceeds going to Turning Point. He said Blauser obtained several donations, which have reduced the organizing expense considerably.

"I'm really impressed with everything he's done so far," Donaugh said. "He's done a phenomenal job."

To donate directly to Turning Point, visit the organization's website at turningpoint6.org and click on "Donations." PayPal is available.

jjarvis@marionstar.com

740-375-5154

Twitter: @jmwjarvis