The Morgan Park Junior Woman’s Club will hold the 6th Annual Work Out to Wipe Out Domestic Violence (WOWO) benefit day Sat., Mar. 18, with partnering businesses and agencies offering work-outs and activities between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. The event’s objectives are to raise awareness about the serious issue of domestic violence, and to raise funds for the local domestic violence agency, A New Direction Beverly Morgan Park (AND).
As the event organizer, the Morgan Park Junior Woman’s Club recruits partners among local fitness businesses and professionals to provide one or more fitness activities. Activities range from running and kick boxing to yoga and massage. Area residents are asked to participate in one or more of the activities, and make donations; the suggested amount is $25 per activity. Donations benefit A New Direction Beverly Morgan Park (AND), a not-for-profit agency that provides counseling and legal advocacy services to families affected by domestic violence.
Sponsors for the Work Out to Wipe Out Domestic Violence benefit day are Marquette Bank, 9858 S. Western and Waddell and Reed, 9730 S. Western.
According to Jessica McCarihan, AND Board President, benefit day funds are critical to the agency. “Work Out to Wipe Out Domestic Violence is our second largest fundraiser of the year,” McCarihan said. “Monies from this event help us maintain and increase our current level of service. In the last year, we saw a growing need for adult and children’s counseling services. We’ve been able to step up our services in this area thanks to events like this.” AND’s services are provided at no charge to its clients and the agency relies heavily on donations and grants from community members, businesses, and organizations like the Morgan Park Juniors..
Linda Horras, a member of the Morgan Park Juniors, looks forward to participating in her third benefit day. Along with raising funds and awareness for domestic violence prevention, she appreciates how the event showcases so many different wellness facilities in the neighborhood.
“It’s an easy way to try something new and get a guided lesson from staff,” Horras said. “Last year I went to two facilities that I probably would have never tried. I had a great experience at both places and gained confidence in myself. “
Horras recalled walking into Southside KnockOut and realizing she was the oldest person in the room. “I thought I was going to die during the first part of the class because it was really intense, but the instructor stayed with me and by the end of the class, I had done what everyone else had done. I felt so proud and happy.” Horras also took her first meditation class and it led her to explore more formal meditation training.
Participating in Work Out to Wipe Out Domestic Violence is easy. Visit www.anewdirectionbmp.org/wowo to see the schedule of activities and locations, and register online. You can make a donation or order an event t-shirt for a $15 donation to AND at the same website. Onsite registration on the day of the event is welcome if space at the facility permits.
The GFWC IL Morgan Park Junior Woman’s Club is dedicated to making a difference in the community through volunteer service. Since its inception in 1934, the Club has actively initiated service projects contributing to the quality of life in Beverly/Morgan Park. In addition to Work Out to Wipe Out Domestic Violence, the Juniors have created service projects to support the Maple Morgan Park Food Pantry, Beacon Therapeutic School, and local CPS elementary schools. They also provide volunteers for the Beverly Area Planning Association, the Beverly Arts Center and Ridge Historical Society.
To learn more about membership and volunteer opportunities with the Morgan Park Junior Woman’s Club, visit morganparkjrs.wordpress.com.
