Ridgefield is SafeWalk STRONG, join the community on October 6 beginning at 2:00 pm on the Jesse Lee Church campus for a walk and some fall fun
The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE) will hold its annual SafeWalk from October 4th to 6th, 2024, both virtually and in-person, to unite the community and raise awareness and funds for victims of interpersonal violence. This year’s event is chaired by Ridgefield resident Kathy Graham and will directly support CEE’s no-cost programs and services for individuals across Northern Fairfield and Southern Litchfield Counties. SafeWalk, one of CEE’s major fundraisers, contributes to nearly 50% of its annual budget.
The Ridgefield community is warmly invited to come together for SafeWalk on Sunday, October 6, at 2 p.m., starting at Jesse Lee Church, 207 Main Street. Participants will walk side by side down Main Street to Ballard Park, united in their support of an important cause. Before the walk begins, First Selectperson Rudy Marconi, CEE board member Glori Norwitt, and Ridgefield Police Lt. John Knoche will speak to the gathered supporters.
Ridgefield resident and Safe Walk Honorary Chair Kathy Graham highlights the event’s significance, “CEE offers hope that your life can be different - that you can and are entitled to live a life free from violence. CEE offers resources to their clients - 24/7 hotlines, counseling, and a shelter for those fleeing violent situations who have nowhere else to go. They go into our schools to teach our youth about healthy relationships, but to offer these no-cost services CEE needs monetary support. Safewalk is one of the many ways we can fundraise to support their critical work.”
Many local organizations, nonprofits, and businesses will participate in the Ridgefield walk, including:
- Ridgefield High School Football Team
- Lions Heart
- First Congregational Church
- Jesse Lee Church
- St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
- Fairfield County Bank
- Ridgefield Fathers Club
- Congregation Shir Shalom
- Ridgefield Rotary Club
- Ridgefield Lions Club
After the walk, participants can return to the Jesse Lee Church grounds for family-friendly activities, including balloon animals, live music by Angry O’Haras from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., and s'mores around the fire pit. The Jesse Lee Pumpkin Patch will also be open for visitors to pick pumpkins.
For those who prefer to participate virtually, SafeWalk encourages individuals and teams to walk or run anytime that weekend in their neighborhoods or communities. Participants can register online to receive a SafeWalk t-shirt and create a personal fundraising page to help raise awareness and support. Be sure to share photos using the hashtag #SafeWalk2024 on social media.
To see a complete list of participants or to support them, visit the SafeWalk event page. For more information or to create a fundraising team, contact Linda Cummins, Special Events Manager, at 203-731-5200 x232 or via email at linda.c@thecenterct.org.