Walking Tall for a Cause

Safe Walk 2024 was another prime example of our Saints community stepping up in a big way to support The Center for Empowerment & Education (CEE). 

Hosted in Hamilton Stadium by Women of Canterbury, the annual fundraising event featured various creative ways for attendees to walk laps around the track—arm-in-arm, conga lines, and more—while wearing light-up glasses and glow sticks. Student DJs Abdul Olasewere ’25 and Brendan Buda ’26 spun tunes while students, faculty, and staff enjoyed various activities throughout the night and generously donated to the CEE.

Located in Danbury, Connecticut, The Center provides counseling and advocacy, crisis intervention, and emergency shelter for victims of interpersonal violence. Women of Canterbury also organizes Denim Day in the spring to raise awareness and funds for the organization.

Director of Health Services and WoCbury Faculty Advisor Colleen Cook, R.N. ’02 credited a Saints parent and CEE board member who was a generous sponsor for Safe Walk 2024. “We are grateful to Elaine Cox P ’16, ’17 for supporting this year’s event,” she said. Elaine is a community activist who serves on the CEE Board of Directors as Vice Chairperson and Development Chair. She has two daughters, Debra ’16 and Sarah ’17, who are Canterbury graduates. 

“It is wonderful to see the students’ enthusiasm for continuing this event and promoting healthy relationships,” Colleen added. “The community’s support and turnout for this important cause are deeply appreciated. We were able to donate $700 to The Center.”

In addition, Canterbury purchased bracelets from the OneLove Foundation, which promotes education for colleges and teens about healthy relationships. The bracelets were handed out to the community to further heighten awareness.

Women of Canterbury Co-Presidents Reagan Fitzgerald ’25, Kylee Henderson ’25, and Juliana Loesche ’25 spearheaded the entire fundraising initiative with plenty of help from their friends. “Safe Walk was a huge success,” said Juliana. “It was the perfect combination—fun for everyone involved and a great fundraiser for the Center.” 

Big shoutout to all our participants and donors!

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