Over 60 people join Savvy and Live Violence Free for "Walk A Mile in Their Shoes"

STATELINE, Nev. - Since 2001, men, women, and their families around the world have joined the award-winning Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® - The International Men's March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault & Gender Violence. Live Violence Free and Savvy of Harrah's and Harveys held a local event on Wednesday, gathering over 60 people from the gaming properties and the community.

In the inaugural local event in 2022, male staff members of Harrah's and Harvey joined with community members to walk in high heels a mile around the casino corridor to not only raise funds for Live Violence Free, but to bring awareness to sexual assault, rape, and gender violence.

Between 22-25 percent of locals report violence in their relationships (according to the Barton Health needs assessment). Nationally, more than 4 in 5 female rape survivors reported that they were first raped before age 25 and almost half were first raped as a minor; Over half of women have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact during their lifetime. It isn't always women either - 1 in 3 men have experienced sexual violence during his lifetime.

Walking a mile in high heels is to symbolize being in a survivor's shoes.

Comedian Howie Nave wore a pink tutu and cowboy boots for his mile walk, and others from Riva Grill, Keep Tahoe Blue, and Harrah's and Harveys staff joined in the awareness event and fundraiser (though many had fun doing it).

During Wednesday's event, $3,670 was raised for Live Violence Free through raffles and donations. El Sombrero taco truck provided food for sale with a portion of the proceeds from that, and the bar, going to the nonprofit as well. The funds raised were about double from last year's amount.

Prizes were given out as well: Team Winner was the men from Riva Grill, the Highest Heel award was Jose Munoz (of team Riva Grill) who wore stiletto heels for his mile walk, Dave Kening won the award for most donations and most creative costume, and Butler Eric Sulier won Best Dressed for the second consecutive year - he wore a tuxedo with his heels.

Savvy was formed at Caesars in Las Vegas about 17 years ago to focus on women and allies in the workplace. Savvy provides support, guidance, and encouragement to women in the company and the community. Savvy brings women and supporters of women together for events to drive professional development, networking and empowerment.

For more information on Live Violence Free, visit https://liveviolencefree.org/.