On Oct. 26, Kappa Tau Epsilon (KTE) hosted the annual Avon: Speak Out event in collaboration with Underground Railroad, Inc., an organization that helps people in situations of domestic violence.
Claire Dushane, KTE’s President, says the main goal of this event is to “spread awareness of domestic violence to the Saginaw community and students on SVSU’s campus.”
KTE’s sorority sisters put together several baskets to auction off at the event. All proceeds from the bidding went to Underground Railroad. Companies in the surrounding community also donated items for the auction. In the future, the sorority plans to have a Coyer Candle Company fundraiser for Underground Railroad as well.
Third-year elementary education major Lisa Furtaw is in her second year serving as the sorority’s philanthropy chair. Furtaw said her favorite part was planning this event was “the rewarding process of working alongside the Underground Railroad, our main philanthropic partner.”
University Police were also present at the event to showcase the resources available on campus.
University Police Officer McDonald mentioned the Mental Health and Wellness Center and Title IX reporting as resources that can help victims remain anonymous. Prevention Education Coordinator for Underground Railroad, Shawn Schutt, says he hopes the event helps people.
“[I hope the event] helps people learn what abuse might look like, how to help someone who is being abused and what steps we can all take to reduce domestic violence in our community.”
Schutt also said that he wishes the SVSU community knew the extent of the resources provided by Underground Railroad.
“We are so much more than a shelter for people who have been abused,” he said. “We provide all kinds of free training on domestic and sexual violence, human trafficking, building an empathetic workplace and preventing violence.”
Fourth-year communications major Olivia Bruzewski is a KTE member who attended the event on Wednesday night. Bruzewski said she hopes that more people get to hear Schutt speak in the future.
Sigma Pi, one of the on-campus fraternities, also attended the event. The brothers came to show their support and actively participated during the event’s interactive speeches from both Schutt and McDonald.
Underground Railroad, Inc. has a hotline that is available 24/7, as well as featuring a shelter, court support, a place to drop off and pick up children, therapy support groups.
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