Anyone who’s ever participated in Turning Points Network’s annual Steppin’ Up to End Violence Walk and Fun Run may well be wondering how this event that has attracted over 1000 participants, dozens of volunteers, and counted over 140 teams and sponsors will look as a virtual event this year on Saturday, May 15.
It will look entirely new. On video! Steppin’ Up 2021 promises a variety of fundraising activities we’ve never been able to include before. Like biking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, knitting, quilting, scrapbooking, sipping and painting, watching a movie, dancing, blowing bubbles, playing music, meditating, sack races or you-name-it to raise money for Tuning Points Network.
While walking and running are still options, instead of being all together on the same day, filling the streets of downtown Claremont, TPN’s Steppin’ Up 2021 – between now and May 15 – will find individuals completing an individual activity as a fundraiser, in teams socially distanced or solo, at any time or place convenient to them. Videos and photos supplied by participants will be compiled into the virtual event along with live commentary and stories from survivors, volunteers, staff and sponsors.
Anywhere, Anytime, Any Way you Want, now through May 15, is the tagline for our 15th Steppin’ Up!
There will be contests for best face mask, best costume, best pet participant, best team theme with prizes for top fundraisers and contest winners and recognition of event sponsors.
“Our goal is to raise $75,000,” said TPN Board Chair, Carol Calkins, “with teams and individuals encouraged to be creative, stay safe and have fun, indoors or outdoors in support of TPN. The money raised will keep TPN’s services free for survivors of domestic and sexual violence and support the K-12 violence-prevention education that TPN provides to Sullivan County schools.”
As in past years, opportunities to participate include teams or solo, sponsors, volunteers and donors. Mark your calendars for May 15 to watch the Virtual Steppin’ Up and May 26 to attend the Steppin’ Up Virtual Celebration Party where prizes will be awarded, sponsors will be applauded and the final total raised will be announced.
For registration, details, deadlines, and entry forms for Steppin’ Up 2021 go to https://www.turningpointsnetwork.org/steppin-up or to our Facebook page https://www.facebook.comevents/1393623240984049or call 603-542-8338.
OUR TURN is a public service series by Turning Points Network (TPN) serving all of Sullivan County with offices in Claremont and Newport. We provide wraparound supports for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, stalking and human trafficking and we present violence-prevention education programs in our schools. For more than 40 years, TPN has helped people of all ages move from the darkness of abuse toward the light of respect, healing and hope. For information contact 1.800.639.3130 or www.turninqpointsnetwork.org or find us on Facebook.
