Elizabeth Bailey
Greensburg Daily News
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As the day started to heat up on Saturday, so did the competitive spirit at the third annual Walk a Mile In Her Shoes fundraiser for New Directions of Decatur County.
While the purpose of the activity is not competition but rather a show of support for the cause of ending domestic violence, womenÕs relay teams stretched in their high heels, hoping for a victory in the first official event. With three teams competing, the Expressions team came out on top. It included Danielle Trenkamp, Katelin Schomber, Deanna Denney and Sara Dickman. Trenkamp took the last slot in the relay, outreaching the stride of her closest competitor, Leslie Thackery, from the second place team.
When the men donned their heals to walk a mile made up of four laps around the Courthouse, competition remained in the air. Courthouse Security Officer Dustin Barkdull joined in the event for the first time in hopes of showing Decatur County Sheriff's Lt. Rick Underhill how it is done. Other men in heels included Dale Crites, Jay Combs, Father Lucas from St. Mary's, Adam Underhill and a couple of unofficial youngsters. Mark Gravely was spared the task of completing the mile after raising funds in excess of $700. It was not the amount that spared him but rather the way in which the funds were collected. $446 were collected for him not to walk while only $344 encouraged him to do so. He did prepare himself by purchasing shoes described as "goth" that he plans to use next year.
Some participants opted to run the course while others walked at a more stately pace. In the end, Rick Underhill finished second, having slowed his pace to avoid a repeat of last year's injury. In third place was his son, Adam, who raced around the square in heels far larger than his small feet. Barkdull felt a bit embarrassed that he did not have a better showing. However, he noted he has learned a few things from this first try and will make another attempt next year.
John Hedinger, Jeff Emsweller, Bill Wenning and Link Allen sat down for pedicures throughout the morning, allowing their toenails to be painted for $1 per toe. The task was most challenging for Emsweller, who admitted he prefers not to have his toes touched. He raised $5 for the cause anyway. Hedinger raised $10, Wenning raised $6.50 and Allen came out on top with $30 raised.
In all, approximately $2,450 was raised the day of the event with other sponsorships expected to come in afterwards, making the funds raised equivalent to those from the second annual event.
