If you were driving or walking by WKFL Park on Valentine’s Day, you would have seen a swarm of people speaking, cheering and dancing to raise our spirits and awareness about violence toward women. One in three women are sexually assaulted or abused  in their lifetime.  Yes, that is about one billion women. 

This event was called “One Billion Rising”  and was organized by the youth of Homer with help from Haven House and Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic’s R.E.C Room.  

It was a celebration for all women who have been affected by abuse as well as a contemplation about how we can change this grim statistic. 

We want to send abundant thanks to all participants who came to the event to share their spirits and determination to end the abuse of women and girls.   

We especially want to acknowledge the generous donations from the city of Homer, Safeway, K Bay, Homer Theater and Two Sisters. A hearty thanks to Rudy Multz and Steve Collins who gifted us with the amazing speaker system that blasted everyone’s strong voices and music throughout the celebration. Liz  Villarrela, a local Zumba instructor, was kind enough to teach the One Billion Rising signature dance to symbolize unity and awareness. Special  thanks go out to all the brave volunteer voices and poets, Ciara Cordes, Amy  Woodruff and Sierra Smith for their personal messages and insight on violence prevention. Without these donations this important event could not have taken place. 

Please find something you can do to help stop violence against women and  girls in your community. 

Sincerely and much love, 

Doug Koester for the One Billion Rising team