YWCA Greater Lafayette Lights Up Riehle Plaza for October Awareness
YWCA Greater Lafayette will host Light Up Riehle Plaza, October 1, at 7:00pm, as the kick-off event for October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month and YWCA’s 4th Annual Power of the Purse Challenge.
In previous years, Light Up Riehle Plaza has served to bring awareness to breast cancer, one of the leading health crises for women in the United States, and one of costliest. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, and its early diagnosis is critical to survival.
Lindsey Mickler, President & CEO, states the importance of early detection and diagnostic screening to individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. “This month is a reminder to take care of our health and empower others to take care of their health.”
Domestic violence is prevalent in every community and affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion or nationality. One in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes. YWCA Greater Lafayette Domestic Violence & Intervention & Prevention Program (DVIPP) offers empowerment to individuals and families seeking safety and services.
This year marks a unique opportunity as YWCA combines Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness Month with the Power of the Purse campaign launch in one special event, sponsored in part by IU Health. YWCA’s annual Power of the Purse Campaign is a month-long, virtual community-building fundraiser and awareness event.
“We want to connect the importance of October awareness to YWCA services,” said Mickler. “We speak to the importance of early detection, we speak to how common domestic violence is and that it is more than physical violence, and most importantly we honor survivors. In an ever-changing landscape, Power of the Purse is essential to ensuring YWCA Greater Lafayette can continue to provide these needed services throughout the year.”
In 2020, Women’s Wellness Program provided 3,733 total services including 1,379 breast exams, 1,131 mammograms and 816 pap tests to women in a 36-county service area. DVIPP handled 7,097 crisis calls, provided 6,105 nights of safe shelter and 413 protective orders to community members experiencing domestic violence. This year, in continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the cancellation of multiple fundraising events, funds raised through Power of the Purse will be available to all YWCA Greater Lafayette programs.
For all those whose lives have been affected by breast cancer and domestic violence, join YWCA Greater Lafayette, community leaders and performers from YWCA’s Y-Dance Program for an hour of fun and advocacy as we light up downtown Lafayette and the John T. Myers Pedestrian Bridge. This event is free to attend. Masks are welcome and social distancing is encouraged. Learn more about how to get involved with Power of the Purse at ywcalafayette.org/power-of-the-purse.
Light Up Riehle Plaza Pursesetter Registration Donate to Power of the Purse Clay Bowl Giving Project