WALKING A MILE IN HER SHOES
BY JOHN MCKENNA
REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN
LITCHFIELD — There were some sore feet upon the completion of the sixth annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes fundraiser in the center of town on Sunday, but the aches and blisters were worth it.
A crowd of mostly men and boys squeezed into red high heels and walked a onemile loop to raise money for the Susan B. Anthony Project, the Torrington-based agency that provides services to victims of domestic and sexual violence.
At least $45,000 was raised by the event, according to Gina Devaux, director of development for the Susan B. Anthony Project.
“We continue to grow every year, and that makes that makes this day even more exciting,” Devaux said in welcoming remarks on West Street. “What a great opportunity to have so many people come together to support the cause and raise awareness.”
Fourteen teams of walkers participated, including teams of students from Litchfield Middle School, Forman School, and Northwestern Regional High School. More than 400 individuals made donations to the cause, according to Devaux, who also cited healthy sponsorship support by the local business community.
Participants included Miss Connecticut for 2022, Sylvana Gonzalez of New Britain. As Miss Connecticut, Gonzalez has been working in support of services like the ones offered by the Susan B. Anthony Project.
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Reaching the end of the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes fundraiser in Litchfield on Sunday are, from left, Northwest Community Bank employees Paul McLaughlin, Matt Kissko, Andrew Laviero and Moe Chisholm.
PHOTOS JOHN MCKENNA REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN
Gina Devaux, director of development for the Susan B. Anthony Project in Torrington, thanks those participating in the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes fundraiser in Litchfield on Sunday.
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“To see so many men here in heels walking for the cause is heartwarming,” Gonzalez said. “I know their feet are hurting, but they’re doing it and they deserve a lot of credit.”
Gonzalez walked in flat shoes but did wear her Miss Connecticut tiara.
“I’m in heels every day as Miss Connecticut, so today my feet get a break,” she said. One of those relieved to cross a red carpet at the finish line was Alan Colavecchio of Winsted, who walked in heels with Lance Leifert of Goshen.
“Walking in high heels with pointed toes, it’s just not natural,” Colavecchio lamented. “We’ll all have shin splints, but what’s most important is that we’re doing it for a food cause.”
