There’s something inherently silly about seeing a parade of men — suited professionals, healthcare workers and union laborers among them — strolling around the fashion mecca of Santana Row in high heels. That visual disconnect brings a touch of levity “Walk a Mile in Their Shoes,” a signature annual event by the YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley to raise awareness about sexual assault and domestic violence — and to raise money to fight it. BayFC Coach Albertin Montoya helping the crowd warm up while wearing shiny blue heels with his gray Puma socks, and emcee Chris Chmura of NBC Bay Area noting that he felt about four-inches taller in his heels as he carefully navigated his way off the stage.
And they were just two of more than 400 people who registered to walk and had raised more than $117,000 as of Thursday afternoon for YWCA programs. There were groups from Synopsys, IBEW Local 332, UA Local 393, Meriwest Credit Union, San Jose State University and nearly 100 walkers alone from Kaiser Permanente, which has been taking part for 15 years. “We’re honored to be here again today,” said Dr.
Rakesh Chaudhary, Physician-In-Chief at Kaiser Santa Clara, who practiced walking in his heels around the halls of the hospital this week. “Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to the community extends beyond the walls of our medical centers and we fully support the YWCA mission to end gender-based violence.” YWCA CEO Adriana Caldera Boroffice said commitments like Kaiser’s .
