This past Saturday, the Ross Medical Education Center campus in Muncie helped raise awareness for the Muncie YWCA women’s shelter at their annual “Walk in Her Heels” event! Muncie community members came out to support the YWCA and cheer on about 30 prominent men from the community, including Justin Panico, Muncie’s Campus Director. The men walked, or in some cases stumbled, around the block of the downtown Muncie YWCA building in high heels for the second annual fundraiser. “Truth be told, heels hurt, but spirit and pride in your community lasts forever,” said Panico about the event. “What a great day with the team to represent Ross and support a great cause!”
Several members of the Muncie campus staff and faculty came out to support Panico and the YWCA including Katie Wallace, Office Assistant, Sara Standlee, Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration Instructor, and Nicole Hall, Assistant Director of Education. The ladies all enjoyed watching the men attempt to walk in heels, but they also appreciated the opportunity to support such an incredible organization in their community. The YWCA collected donations before the event and then accepted cash votes for various categories during the walk, with all proceeds going to YWCA programs. The community was able to pay to nominate the “models” for awards like “Best Legs,” “Hottest Heels in Town,” and “Sassiest Strut.” Although Panico didn’t win an award, Nicole Hall commented, “I was very impressed with Justin’s ability to walk in high heels. He stayed in his heels the entire walk while several men took their heels off and finished barefooted. Justin made a terrific effort for a great cause!”
The YWCA was very grateful for the support and the funds. They consistently house about 70 women and children who do not have another place to go. They give them a safe place to stay and give them the programs and the assistance they need to get themselves back on their feet. “Saturday was a ‘feel good day’ for me,” said Ross Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration Instructor, Sara Standlee. “It was a great fellowship experience with my fellow Ross family and we did something wonderful for the community!”
To find out more about this event and how you can support the Muncie YWCA, visit their website!