The Domestic Violence Awareness rally was something of a letdown this evening, with a scarce crowd (fewer than a hundred by rough count), a less-than-reliable sound system and wince-inducing off-key singing. It was redeemed, however, by the very powerful poetry written and performed by a violence survivor and accompanied by the sign language interpreter pictured in the photo. Seeing someone act out a traumatic scene in what was practically mime is more impressive than listening to statistics.

It would have been nice to see more public interest, especially given the gravity of the subject.

Labels: charity, social commentary

There's a rally supporting the prevention of violence against women at the Heartland of American Park next Thursday from 7-8 that I want to attend. If anyone else wants to go let me know and we'll set a meeting point (and catch dinner afterward for those interested).

Labels: charity, social commentary

Cris and I attended the Nebraska Aids Project 2006 Charity Walk today, a worthwhile event that had somewhat lackluster attendance (due mostly to the unplanned cold drizzle, I imagine). Sign-in took only a few minutes, then we sat on the curb of the parking lot for almost an hour, shivering like pirates, as people slowly filtered in. There was an impromptu dog fight, two "mock walks" for a local tv station that wanted to stage us walking thirty yards to splice into their news story rather than wait until the walk actually started, a mariachi band, a pair of talented salsa dancers and a couple of famous names (famous in Omaha, anyway). There was a fair degree of scoffing from half the assembled walkers when a trio from Gold's Gym tried to lead a cardio-boxing warmup (those expressing disdain included Cris and yours truly). The walk itself was quite short (I joked that the cardio warmup took longer), which was just as well since it was drizzling off and on and we were both cold and wet.

I was disappointed that the turnout wasn't bigger; I have no idea how it compares to a normal turn out, but I'm sure it was impacted by the less-than-pleasant weather. I'm sure Cris will have a write-up later. After he stops trying to steal my papaya bodyscrub (one of the goodies in the bag that came with the t-shirt).

Labels: charity, friends, social commentary