“I thought it was a good experience for [gaining a] perspective,” said freshman Peter Butkovich, a participant in the event. “I mean, hell, I’ve never walked in heels in my life, so that was a big thing. Now, I feel a lot worse for girls having to wear these things all the time. My sister told me a lot about this cause, so I wanted to participate in anyway I could.”   

On Sunday, October 5, the chapter of Alpha Chi Omega at Michigan State University came together for our biggest philanthropy event of the school year. Members of the chapter gathered 125 willing friends and family to sponsor the walk. Alongside members of Alpha Chi Omega, the participants strutted one mile around MAC and Linden Street in a pair of bright red pumps. Which by the way, you boys looked absolutely fabulous in (and walked like pros).   

“I think that it brings awareness and everyone leaves more informed than they came,” said junior Anna Tomovski, a member of Alpha Chi Omega. “It’s a really serious issue but everyone has fun at Walk A Mile. Everyone gets a laugh at all the boys in heels but it reminds everyone about an issue that is kind of taboo.”   

The proceeds of Walk A Mile will go to the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation, which works though the Center Against Rape and Violence Organization. The organization provides services to those who have experienced domestic violence and no longer feel like they have a secure place to retreat. Assistance such as medical services, shelter, food and alternative housing are provided for those who are in need of aid.   

“For me, it’s really important that it’s informing people,” said Alpha Chi Omega’s Vice President of Philanthropy, Jessica Fedrigo. “I’m glad it’s an opportunity to inform people and get educated about the statistics because they may not know how serious sexual assault and domestic violence are on this campus. And it provides resources for anyone that has been affected. At the event, we have the resources available to [those in need].”  

Representatives of MSU’s Safe Place were also present at the walk, which dominated MAC and surrounding street for several hours. Alpha Chi Omega works closely with Safe Place, an anonymous location that will come to domestic violence victims who feel like they are no longer secure at home. All it takes is a simple phone call to receive the help to potentially save a life.   

 “This is a chance for guys to stand up against a topic that some people don’t really like talking about,” said junior, Fedrigo . “It’s important to show that people in the community, guys and girls, are taking a stand against domestic violence.”