WEST CALN — The Chester County Half Marathon & Memorial 5k (CCH) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization formed 2015 that serves the community by providing a world class half marathon, 5K and related events to raise funds to benefit local charities, while promoting health and fitness.
The event was born out of the tragic loss of Jacinda Miller to an act of domestic violence in late 2014. Jacinda was a beloved community member, avid runner, amazing fitness instructor and all-around athlete who inspired those around her; this event serves as an opportunity to carry her spirit forward and aid local charities.
This year CCH announced that the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County (DVCCC) will be a recipient of funds raised by CCH. DVCCC provides intervention, education, outreach, advocacy, and programs to prevent, reduce, and remedy domestic violence in Chester County.
The center offers a 24-hour hotline as a means for victims to get access to free services that includes counseling, emergency safe house/shelter, legal advisors to help navigation legal services, and support groups for adults and children. DVCCC is committed to empowering survivors of domestic abuse by providing information and supporting them as they reclaim their lives. DVCCC provides services throughout Chester County and annually serves more than 3,200 survivors of domestic abuse and their dependent children.
“Running can be incredibly empowering – and a tremendous outlet to help restore confidence, strength, and self-esteem while reinforcing a message of strength and belief in one’s own abilities,” said Jessica Rigo, President and Race Director of CCH. “These are messages we know are critical to those who suffer at the hands of loved ones and struggle with domestic violence.”
“We believe the mission of CCH is synergistic with our mantra of Freedom Through Empowerment and we are delighted to be a beneficiary of CCH” said Dolly Wideman Scott, CEO of DVCCC.
This year’s race is Sunday May 15 kicking off at the picturesque Coatesville Country Club; the course takes runners through Hibernia park and along the Coatesville reservoir. The race is open to all ages and abilities – walkers and families are welcome and encouraged to participate. In addition to the two runs, CCH is also collecting phones for the Verizon HopeLine benefitting individuals impacted by domestic violence, collecting gently used sneakers for the Max Cure Foundation’s “Dunk Your Kicks!” and hosting a spaghetti dinner the night before the race featuring motivational speaker Jen Croneberger.
Domestic Violence affects 1 in 3 women in their lifetime, 1 in 4 men and 1 in 3 teenagers (male and female). February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, the DVCCC offers educational programs at local high schools to provide both prevention & intervention tools with interactive learning to help high school students identify unhealthy dating practices and understand the resources available to them. If you are interested in scheduling a presentation, call 610-431-3546. If you think you are a victim of domestic violence, a confidential hotline is available 24 hours a day at 888-711-6270.
