Work Out to Wipe Out Domestic Violence With the Morgan Park Juniors

CHICAGO, IL -- The GFWC IL Morgan Park Junior Woman’s Club announces the sixth annual Work Out to Wipe Out Domestic Violence (WOWO) Benefit Day to be held on Saturday, March 18, 2017. The event’s objectives are to heighten awareness about the serious issue of domestic violence, and to raise funds for the local domestic violence agency, A New Direction (AND) Beverly Morgan Park.

Some 20 fitness centers have partnered with the Morgan Park Junior Woman’s Club to offer fitness classes and workouts for a suggested donation of $25 to benefit A New Direction Beverly Morgan Park, which provides counseling and legal advocacy services to families affected by domestic violence.

This year’s sponsors include Evergreen Park’s Marquette Bank and Waddell and Reed, along with promotional sponsors Beverly Therapists, Maggy May & Co. and Bullpen Sports

According to Jessica McCarihan, board president of A New Direction, the domestic violence agency saw an increase in demand for adult and children’s counseling services over the past year. A New Direction’s services are provided at no charge to its clients. The agency relies heavily on donations and grants from community members, businesses and organizations like the Morgan Park Juniors.

“We’ve been able to step up our services in this area thanks to events like this.” McCarihan said.

Linda Horras, an attorney at Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP and a member of the Morgan Park Juniors, looks forward to participating in her third Benefit Day. Along with raising funds and awareness for domestic violence prevention, she appreciates how the event showcases so many different wellness facilities in the neighborhood.

“It’s an easy way to try something new and get a guided lesson from staff,” Horras said. “Last year I went to two facilities that I probably would have never tried. I had a great experience at both places and gained confidence in myself. “

Horras recalled walking into Southside KnockOut and realizing she was the oldest person in the room.

“I thought I was going to die during the first part of the class because it was really intense, but the instructor stayed with me and by the end of the class, I had done what everyone else had done,” Horras said. “I felt so proud and happy.”

She also took her first meditation class and it led her to explore more formal meditation training.

Register online to participate in Work Out to Wipe Out Domestic Violence and select an activity offered by one of the many fitness centers, churches, schools and businesses on the Benefit Day Schedule.

Whether you are a regular at open workouts, occasionally attend a kickboxing drill or yoga session, or have just thought about a trying a Barre class, you will find a fun activity that suits your interest and fitness level in the Benefit Day Schedule.

Onsite registration on the day of the event is welcome if space at the facility permits. As an incentive to register early, the Juniors and A New Direction are hosting a BIKE RAFFLE. Anyone who registers, buys a T-shirt or donates before March 10 will be entered in the drawing for a new bike.

For those who can’t participate on March 18, there are other ways to support this cause. You can make a donation to A New Direction online. You also may make a $15 donation by ordering an event T-shirt online. T-shirts can be picked up prior to the event on Wednesday, March 15, at Belle Up Boutique, 1915 W. 103rd Street, Chicago, while supplies last. Cash or checks made payable to “A New Direction Beverly Morgan Park” will be accepted for all donations (including t-shirts). Credit cards are accepted online only.

The GFWC IL Morgan Park Junior Woman’s Club (Morgan Park Juniors) is a group of women dedicated to making a difference in their community through volunteer service. Since its inception in 1934, the club has actively initiated various service projects contributing to the quality of life in Beverly/Morgan Park. To learn more about membership and volunteer opportunities, visit the Morgan Park Junior Woman’s Club Facebook page or the Juniors’ website.