More than 500 people traded in their heels to be heroes at the Rape Crisis Center of Summit & Medina Counties’ 12th annual fundraiser called the Walk of Heroes at Lock 3 Friday night.
The Walk of Heroes was formerly known as Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, which featured hundreds of people — both men and women — walking through downtown in high heels each April as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
This year, though, the Rape Crisis Center shifted its focus from heels to capes after receiving criticism for focusing on female sexual assault victims while leaving men and transgender victims in the background.
“My thought was, it’s hard enough to call the Rape Crisis Center,” said Cindy Bloom, the director of the Rape Crisis Center of Summit & Medina Counties. “I wanted to make it as friendly as possible.”
The term “hero” was open to interpretation, including anyone from everyday heroes, like police and nurses, to the super kind in comic books. Most people at the walk opted for the latter and brought out their best superhero costumes, while many members of participating organizations wore matching-colored capes.
“This is amazing,” said Mike Pistorino of Chagrin Falls, clad in a Superman shirt and cape, about the change in theme. “People are always shocked to hear a male survivor say they were assaulted.”
Pistorino is well-aware of the climate surrounding male victims. As a child, Pistorino was sexually abused for six years.
After years of addiction, homelessness and even some jail time, Pistorino said he finally got the help he needed by opening up about his experience and seeking counselling from the Rape Crisis Center. Now, he travels the country as a motivational speaker and emceed the festivities before the walk at Lock 3.
“I guarantee you, if you start sharing your feelings, you can be a freaking ball of sunshine like me,” Pistorino said to the crowd.
While the theme change was all-inclusive, there was no denying that watching men walk in high heels was missed — even from some of the guys themselves.
Joe Cavolo, a senior member of the UA fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE), said he’s had fun in the past trying to fit into heels and joking around with other frat members. TKE has been involved with the walk since its inception.
“I think it’s kind of fun to [wear heels] ... I know my parents get a kick out of it,” Cavolo said. “I do understand both sides of it. I’m just glad to be here.”
It was clear, though, that most were there for the cause over the costume.
“At first I was like, I love seeing the guys in shoes, but that’s not what it’s about,” said Dawn Baker of Wadsworth, who was at the walk with the Oriana House team. “As long as it brings awareness.”
Other changes from previous years include two walks instead of one to emphasize the agency’s service in both Summit and Medina counties.
The first walk in Medina Public Square was supposed to be earlier this month, but it was pushed back because of weather. It will now be from 5 to 8 p.m. on May 26.
The agency’s goal is to raise $65,000 by the time of the Medina walk. It’s currently raised about $55,000.
For more information or to contribute, visit https://www.firstgiving.com/22485/RCC-12th-Annual-Awareness-Fundraiser-Event.
Theresa Cottom can be reached at 330-996-3216 or tcottom@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @Theresa_Cottom .