Voices Against Violence Hosting 11th Annual Purple Passion 5K Run/Walk September 17

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FRAMINGHAM – Voices Against Violence (VAV), the domestic violence agency and rape crisis center serving 14 communities in the greater Framingham and Marlborough areas of Metro West, will host an in-person and virtual edition of its 11th annual Purple Passion 5K Walk/Run fundraiser.

Kick-off ceremonies will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, featuring an inspirational talk by a domestic violence survivor. The race will start at 8 a.m. and will conclude with refreshments, an awards ceremony, and a raffle drawing.

Once again, SVN Parsons Commercial Group Boston is the event’s presenting sponsor. Other major sponsors include Middlesex Savings Bank and All Weather Home Services. Additional sponsorships are still available; contact purplepassion@smoc.org for more information.

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The 2022 Purple Passion fundraiser will feature an in-person timed 5K race and casual walk. The scenic 3.1-mile course passes Learned Pond, Gleason Pond, and Butterworth Park, and includes the challenging Dennison Avenue hill. Runners and walkers can also participate from anywhere – from a treadmill at home, to a local track, to a favorite bike path or trail. Event participants are strongly encouraged to fundraise through their own Purple Passion fundraising page upon registration. Participants can also create teams to expand their impact and enjoy friendly fundraising competition.

“For the past 45 years Voices Against Violence has helped victims and their children survive the trauma of domestic violence,” according to VAV Director Rachel Balzatar. “Our staff works in close partnership with individuals and families to ensure their safety and create stable home environments, while connecting victims to support services that will help them develop personal and economic self-sufficiency. Our hope is that this family-friendly event will shine a light on the tragedy of family violence that occurs right here in the Metro West, while we raise the necessary funds to ensure that free and confidential support and educational services remain uninterrupted.”

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To register for the 5K run/walk, or donate to a participant’s fundraiser, and for all event details, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Framingham/PurplePassion5KRunWalk

The registration fee is $30 for individuals ages 19 and up; $15 for ages 8-18, and children under 8 are free. All registrants will receive a free Purple Passion technical race shirt and swag bag (virtual participants will be mailed their t-shirt and swag).

Medals will be awarded to the top male, female and nonbinary/all gender/agender in-person, timed runners, as well as to the top in-person age group finishers.

Voices Against Violence, a program of the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) serves over 5,600 people each year through their direct services for victims and prevention programs.

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