The Melrose Alliance Against Violence is hard at work preparing for its 17th Annual Walk Against Violence and Candlelight Vigil. The event will be held on Sunday, October 28th at 4:00 p.m. at the Melrose Veteran’s Memorial Middle School.
MAAV is especially pleased to announce that Diane Patrick, First Lady of Massachusetts, will join us for the Vigil this year. She will be presented with MAAV’s 2nd Annual “Advocacy in Action Award” for her outstanding leadership and commitment to ending domestic violence. Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone will serve as Honorary Chairperson of the event.
Pre-walk activities begin with a Candlelight Vigil at the Middle School to honor victims of domestic violence homicide. The event will conclude with a 2 mile walk around Ell Pond. Community members are welcome to participate in the Walk by forming fundraising teams, serving as sponsors, or making individual contributions.
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The event serves as MAAV’s largest annual fundraiser, with last year’s Walk raising more than $30,000. Donations are used to fund prevention and intervention initiatives throughout the community and in the Melrose Public Schools. MAAV’s programs seek to curb bullying, teen dating abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault.
This year’s Walk Committee is Co-Chaired by Joan Bell, President of MAAV’s Board of Directors and Pam Daye, the designated domestic violence detective of the Melrose Police Department. Twenty community members serve on the committee.
Supporting the event as members of the Honorary Host Committee are Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley, former Attorney General Scott Harshbarger, former Attorney General Thomas F. ReillyCongressman Edward Markey, Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, Senator Katherine Clark, Senator Thomas McGee, Representative Paul Brodeur, Mayor Rob Dolan, Superintendent of Schools Cyndy Taymore, and Police Chief Michael Lyle.
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“We are thrilled that Ms. Patrick can join us this year, and the support we receive annually from our dignified and ever-growing Honorary Host Committee demonstrates that MAAV has earned credibility well beyond the city of Melrose,” said Rebecca Mooney, Executive Director of MAAV. “The Honorary Host Committee represents the very best of leaders and stakeholders who have devoted so much time and energy to combating domestic violence throughout their careers in public service. We are honored for their support and for their partnership with us.”
Should you wish to participate in the Walk, please contact Rebecca Mooney at 781-662-2010 for more information. To learn more about MAAV, please visit www.maav.org
