Men Wear Heels to Compete in Unique Relay and Take Steps Against Domestic Violence

Join/Support Second Annual Event to Benefit SAFE In Hunterdon

 On Saturday, May 17 in Flemington (Hunterdon County), N.J., teams of men age 18 and over will strap on assorted styles of women's shoes to raise awareness and funds for victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in the second annual Men In Heels Relay. The event is coordinated by volunteers with support from Gallo Rosso Restaurant and all proceeds will benefit SAFE in Hunterdon and the women, men and children the organization serves in the county. The event is free to all spectators. "Whether you're a relayer, sponsor or fan cheering on the sidelines, Men In Heels is about our community coming together to take an important step forward in the movement to end violence," said Leanne McGowan, Event Organizer.

The Men In Heels Relay is scheduled to take place at 10:00 a.m. on May 17 -- rain or shine -- at Gallo Rosso, located in The Shoppes at Flemington, Route 202 and Route 30 at Reaville Ave, Flemington, N.J. For the relay/walk event, each participant on the all-male teams will be completing a short course of approximately 100 yards total in heeled shoes. 2014 relayers are encouraged to bring their own “sensible” heels, between 2 and 3 inches. Safety and good sportsmanship will be emphasized in this friendly competition, organized in two and three team heats, with the winning team advancing to the next round. Trophies will be awarded to the three teams that finish as Gold, Silver and Bronze relay finalists, as well as for 'Most Team Spirit', 'Most Creative Outfits' and 'Most Donations Raised'. In addition, female Mayors from around the County will again serve as Red Carpet Commentators (Edwards, Flemington; Kovach, Clinton; McBride, Union Twp.; and Uchrin, Lebanon Borough), adding to the festivities that include kid-friendly activities, music, a 50/50 raffle and lots of laughter.

"Men In Heels was created to address serious issues in a lighthearted way, while bringing men into the conversation" said McGowan. Returning teams include volunteer coaches from the Hunterdon Lions Track Club [team name: “Hot on Our Heels”], clergymen [“A Higher Power”], first responders [Top Cops], and employees of area businesses, such as the Clinton and Flemington Shop-Rite Stores [Victorious Secret], and Healthy U Fitness of Whitehouse Sta. [Young Buffs]. 2014 Sponsors are Groendyke Associates of Califon, Great Clips Salons of Clinton and Flemington, Loumarc Signs of Hillsborough, Prestige Wealth Management Group of Flemington and PNC Bank. According to Sue Vanderoef, Event Co-Organizer, “We’re also looking for individual men who we can place on teams that may have heels to fill, so we can really make a positive difference for SAFE in Hunterdon and the communities they serve.”

Teams are encouraged to raise $500 or more ($100 per team member) and community members will have the opportunity to donate to their favorite relayer(s) and/or team(s) online through 5/17 at

www.crowdrise.com/MenInHeelsRelay or at the event. Teams, donors, and spectators can mail checks payable to Safe in Hunterdon/MIHR (47 E. Main St., Flemington, NJ) or pay by credit card online at www.crowdrise.com/MenInHeelsRelay.

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