April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and, for the12th year, Rise Above Violence has designed a fun challenge to push up victims in our community.
Too often, victims feel isolated, alone and overwhelmed with their circumstances. The Push-Up Challenge signifies the power and unity we as a community have to overcome violence and together push up victims, who, at times, need our strength to lift them above the pain and trauma.
This challenge will also prove your own strength — that you are capable of more than you thought. Last year, challengers powered through their goals and pushed themselves even further.
Are you ready to get fit, have fun and raise funds?
On April 23 at 5:30 pm, this year’s Push-Up Challenge will be a 20-minute blitz hosted once again at CrossFit Pagosa. Individuals and/or three-member teams are encouraged to participate and gather pledges in support of your push-up goal.
Registration for the event is $25, which covers your access to the challenge with some amazing prizes, as well as fun swag.
Doing push-ups is not the only challenge though. We also need to raise funds to support critical victim services in Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County.
In 2024, 52 challengers competed in the Push-Up Challenge and raised more than $12,700. Through this year’s challenge, we are hoping to raise $15,000 that will go directly toward supporting victims of sexual assault in our community with resources and support to help with their healing.
You can register and find more information on our website, www.riseaboveviolence.org/push-up- challenge. Signing up and getting pledges is easy. We have an online platform to help raise pledges. Ask friends and family to support your challenge — they love to see you strong and healthy.
Join Rise for the month of April to support victims and survivors in our community. Other awareness dates and events to remember:
• April 1: Wear Teal Day.
• April 16: Ladies Night at Riff Raff.
• April 30: Denim Day Walk at noon at the bell tower.
Rise is a nonprofit organization which promotes the belief that all people have the right to live free from violence. Rise provides 24-hour support and advocacy services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or other forms of violence, serving more than 350 victims each year.
Rise also works to eliminate violence through education for youth and our community. All programs and services are free and confidential, including emergency prevention education and empowerment programs.
Visit www.riseaboveviolence.org for more information or call (970) 264- 9075 to talk to an advocate today.
For questions or information on the Push-Up Challenge, email annie@riseaboveviolence.org.
