By Abby Rathburn | Staff Writer
Bouncy houses, live music, treats and yard games brought Fountain Mall to life Friday evening. However, the all-male high-heel race stole the show with a deeper message on domestic violence awareness.
Alpha Chi Omega celebrated its fall philanthropy event, Block Party, with the goal of raising donations for its philanthropic partner, the Family Abuse Center.
Although the event excited everyone who attended, the intent was clear. Houston senior and Alpha Chi Omega President Cate Calderon said she hopes attendees leave not only with good memories, but also with a greater understanding of domestic violence and the importance of awareness.
“We all are reading the news, and there are lots of things that are terrible that occur on college campuses, and so I think it’s important to raise awareness for that, especially given the setting of a college campus, so that everyone is aware,” Calderon said. “Gaining that knowledge early is crucial to prevent things from happening in the future.
According to a 2023 article by the National Institute of Health, individuals aged 18 to 24 are a high-risk age group for domestic violence, facing the highest risk of partner violence compared to other age groups.
In an effort to make awareness central to their event, Alpha Chi Omega instituted an all-male high-heel race, combining friendly competition with an opportunity to raise awareness of something greater.
“The high heel race is inspired by an initiative that another school called ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes,’ and so we have kind of flipped that and taken inspiration from other outside chapters where we do that for high heels,” Calderon said.
“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” is an international men’s march where men walk a mile in high-heeled shoes to raise awareness about sexual assault and other forms of domestic violence. Frank Baird founded the movement in 2001 as a small group walk, and it has since expanded into a global event as individuals participate across North America and other countries.
For students attending the event, supporting the Family Abuse Center was as meaningful as the activities themselves. Mission Viejo, California, senior Trey Kelly, who represented Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity in the high-heel competition, said the welcoming environment and location fostered an atmosphere where fun and education could simultaneously exist.
“Doing really anything up on Fountain Mall, I feel like you’re going to get a lot of people to come over here even just through walking from classes and whatnot throughout the day, so them having this space where people can come and just chill and feel free to be here is a wonderful thing,” Kelly said.
Beyond raising awareness through competition, the event also gave students a chance to learn firsthand about the Family Abuse Center’s work. Family Abuse Center Director and Community Engagement Manager Aurora Henry was also invited to table during the event in order to explain how their donations are making a real impact in the lives of domestic violence survivors in their shelters.
The partnerships between the Family Abuse Center and Alpha Chi Omega extend beyond Block Party, as Family Abuse Center representatives are regularly invited to speak and members are often encouraged to serve alongside the organization.
“This year, we also have a small service committee that they put together for us to help us with our events, and so those girls I’ve gotten to know a little bit more,” Henry said.
