Every Woman’s Place (EWP) to host solidarity walk honoring sexual violence survivors in downtown Muskegon as part of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April

The Starting Line will launch the Cheers Community Crawl on a serious note, highlighting the statistic that every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. Participants will wear custom teal shirts with a bold graphic of the numeral 68 as they walk Western Avenue in downtown Muskegon, pausing for 68 seconds of silence at 12:59 pm on Saturday, April 2, 2022.

MUSKEGON, MI – Every Woman’s Place (EWP) is pleased to collaborate annually in April with the Culinary Institute of Michigan (CIM) to host Cheers & Chocolate as part of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Together, EWP and the CIM raise awareness and raise funds to support survivors of sexual assault and sex trafficking in our community.

Kim Dimmett, Executive Director, explains, “In 2020, Muskegon County reported 90 sexual assaults, with 16 arrests…this data shows us that most victims/survivors are suffering in silence. In April we come together to show our support for survivors of sexual assault.

We work every day to send the message that ‘we believe you’, ‘we support you’ and ‘we will walk beside you’,” she adds. “Every Woman’s Place works closely with the police, the Prosecutor’s office and our medical facilities so that survivors are offered and provided supportive services immediately and without re-victimization. We are working toward bringing sexual assault examinations in-house, at EWP, to ensure supportive services during and following a sexual assault exam.”

The Community Crawl takes the place of our traditional Cheers event held at the CIM, which will not take place in 2022 while we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Cheers Community Crawl starts April 1 at 5:00 am and runs the entire month of April, ending at midnight on April 30.

Supporting Business (April 1-30)
Starting April 1, Supporting Businesses will ask their customers to add $1 to their bill in support of Every Woman’s Place. At the end of April, those funds are donated to EWP to provide services that respond to and restore the lives of survivors in our community. There is no cost to become a Supporting Businesses, and sign-up is simple. Supporting Businesses are acknowledged on social media, in print, and with posters for their storefront.

Cheers Crawl Starting Line (April 2, 12 – 1 pm)
EWP staff, supporters, and survivors wearing our custom teal T-shirt will stand together at the Starting Line on April 2 at the Muskegon Visitor Center and walk down Western Ave in a display of solidarity with survivors. The T-shirt references the statistic that an American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds with a bold graphic of the numeral 68. The 2022 Starting Line Sponsor is local business Andy’s Plumbing. “We believe in the importance of EWP’s work in the community, and this sponsorship was a great way to show our support,” said Shallon White, co-owner.

Cheers Pop-Up Wine Pull (April 23, 10 am – 2 pm)
EWP will showcase an exciting selection of 100 wines, plus unique specialty packages. Donate $20 to pull a number from our jar and walk away with the corresponding bag containing a bottle that may be worth up to $100. Must be 21 years of age and provide ID.

Cheers Crawl Finish Line (April 29, 5 – 8 pm)
This full month of community engagement will be capped off by the Community Crawl Finish Line. The Finish Line is an all-day “eat, drink and stroll” through the Muskegon downtown Social District, with free live entertainment featuring local favorite Brena at Olthoff Stage.

Sponsor opportunities are available to support this community-wide event, including Community Sponsorships from $350 to $1000, plus:

• Finish Line Sponsor, an exclusive opportunity to support the Finish Line festivities ($4,000)
• Day Sponsors, who commit to matching the donated proceeds for a particular day of the month (up to $2,500)
• Pop-Up Wine Pull Sponsor, exclusive sponsorship of the Pop-Up Wine Pull on April 23 in downtown Muskegon ($2,500)

Speaking again about the work of the agency, Dimmett added, “All survivors of sexual assault are welcome at EWP, regardless of when the victimization occurred, or any other attribute that makes you an individual. We are here to promote healing and empowerment, at any point during your journey from victimization through restoration. There is no cost for our services and all information is strictly confidential. We are available every day, all day, by calling (231) 759-7909 during the day or (231) 722-3333 after 5:00 pm.”