Oct. 3, 2007

Photo Gallery of "Flowers on the River Walk"

Fort Wayne, IN - The IPFW women's basketball team led the Flowers on the River Walk which kicked off Domestic Violence Awareness Month on October 1st. The walk took the ladies from the YWCA office to the St. Mary's River where participants honored victims of domestic violence by throwing flowers on the river.

The Flowers on the River Walk honors the women, children, and men who have been served by the domestic violence programs in Fort Wayne in the past year.

"This is a great event for our girls to be a part of," said Alex Webster, assistant coach of the Mastodons. "Not only did they get out in the community, but they also learned about domestic violence. A lot of the time, female athletes feel they are immune to things like domestic violence because they have the reputation of being strong women, but it can affect anyone. I'm glad our girls had the chance to hear others speak and get some education on the programs that are out there to help."

The program was opened by the Voices of Inspiration, IPFW's gospel choir and remarks by Fort Wayne Police Deputy Chief Dottie Davis.

Approximately 70 people participated in the program by throwing flowers into the river which symbolized the "new path in life" that victims of domestic violence have started through the YWCA's programs.

"Being a part of that program really opened up our eyes to how many different people and programs there are here that are willing to help out the community like we do." said sophomore Samantha Edwards.

"Being involved in the Flowers on the River Walk was important to us because we like to do things outside of athletics," said freshman Sarah Haluska "And supporting victims of domestic violence is something we are proud to be involved with."

                                                    ~Dons~