H.O.P.E. Walk in support of domestic violence victims

On Sunday, October 6, hundreds of kids will be participating in the H.O.P.E. (Hold On. Pain Ends.) Walk, presented by the Atlantic Highlands L.E.O. Club (Leadership, Excellence, and Opportunity) at Middletown North High School in support of 180 Turning Lives Around, a private, nonprofit organization, dedicated to ending domestic and sexual violence, providing 24-hour hotlines, emergency housing, family court assistance and trained advocates who accompany survivors at police stations, hospitals and family court.
Registration will begin at 8 am and the H.O.P.E. Walk will start at 9 am. Participants may register online in advance at www.180nj.org. The first 100 participants to arrive the day of the walk will receive an official H.O.P.E. Walk t-shirt. There will be music and face painting. All walkers will be entered into a raffle to win a prize.
“We are grateful to the students and advisors of the L.E.O. Club for their continuing support of the programs and services of 180,” said Anna Diaz-White, 180’s Executive Director, noting that last year’s inaugural H.O.P.E. Walk raised more than $2,300 for 180.
According to L.E.O. Club Assistant Advisor Whitley Noel, the club’s goal is to raise $10,000 at the Walk. To date, $306 has been raised from the proceeds of a car wash held in August.  Additional fundraising efforts presented by the L.E.O. Club in support of the walk include:
•  September 23 – Enjoy breakfast or lunch at the Middletown Pancake House on Route 35, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Mention the walk to your server, and a portion of your check will be donated to the H.O.P.E. Walk.
“The H.O.P.E. Walk is a wonderful example of how a group of committed young people can help educate the community,” said Diaz-White. ”We are so proud of these young people for taking the initiative to walk in support of survivors and encourage others to do so as well.”
For more information about the H.O.P.E. Walk and 180 Turning Lives Around, contact Jaimee Skidmore at 732-264-4360 x4232 or jaimees@180nj.org or www.180nj.org.