Annual ‘Walk With Willow’ raises funds for victims of domestic violence

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Neighbors gathered in downtown Rochester on Sunday for the Willow Domestic Violence Center’s 16th Annual “Walk with Willow” fundraising event aimed at raising awareness for domestic violence survivors.

Willow Domestic Violence Center President and CEO Meghan De Chateauvieux said that clouds giving way to sun was symbolic.

“This was an incredible morning. It started out in the rain and we had people show up anyway with their umbrellas. and we were cold but once the walk started, the sun came out and it’s just a beautiful sign that better things are ahead,” De Chateauvieux said.

Starting at Stories of Strength Memorial and then looping back to the Times Square building, walkers made their way through the streets again this year.

“We hope to raise 50,000 dollars today so I think we are nearly there, I’ve got to check the numbers, but that represents the average number of calls to 911 each year,” De Chateauvieux said.

De Chateavieux said that this year there have been around 41,000 domestic violence 911 calls in Monroe County.

In July, 38-year-old Constance Henry died after being stabbed during a domestic violence dispute.

It’s why De Chateavieux said she and her organization will never give up until the pattern of violence ends.

“It was an incredible for survivors, and so many survivors and their families are also here. So, you see so many kiddos and we know we are breaking the cycle for those families,” De Chateavieux said.

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