Annual event will also honor key contributors to Turning Point’s longevity and growth for the organization’s 45th anniversary
Media Contact: Lucie Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; lucie@eafocus.com; 248.925.6726; Sharman Davenport, Turning Point; sdavenport@turningpointmacomb.org; 586.463.4430
Mount Clemens, Mich. – September 5, 2025 – 45 years ago a caring group of neighbors came together to address rising rates of domestic violence. Turning Point knows the power of community and is gathering again this year to honor the legacy of Tara Grant, a Macomb County woman who was brutally murdered by her husband in 2007. In partnership with Grant’s family, Turning Point, an agency whose mission is to empower survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking through comprehensive services and resources, is hosting the 19th annual Tara’s 5K Run & Walk to not only raise awareness about domestic violence, but to help raise the critical funding that provides lifesaving services for survivors fleeing violence. The 5K will take place on Saturday, September 13, at Freedom Hill County Park in Sterling Heights, Michigan.
Grant’s family, including her sister, Alicia Standerfer and her husband Eric Standerfer, who raised Grant’s children Lindsey and Ian Standerfer, as well as two children of their own, return every year for the event, recognizing the importance in remembering Grant and all those impacted by domestic violence.
“Tara’s 5K is such an amazing way to celebrate the life my mother lived as well as raise awareness for domestic violence and how it impacts not just survivors, but their families as well,” Lindsey Standerfer remarked. “I am so grateful for the work Turning Point has done to help survivors and families the last 45 years in Macomb County, and I look forward to the work they will do for many years to come.”
Alicia Standerfer echoes Lindsey Standerfer’s sentiments regarding the event.
In addition to the 5K, this year’s event will include a celebration of Turning Point’s 45th anniversary and those who have helped develop the organization into what it is today.
“As an agency built by community, sustained by community, and for the last 45 years, fueled by the belief that when we come together, we can make a difference, our 45th anniversary is a milestone to honor the survivors we work with, lives lost to domestic violence, and those who helped shape Turning Point into what it is today,” Sharman Davenport, Ph.D, President and CEO of Turning Point, noted. “We look forward to honoring Turning Point’s founders, the late Vivastine Seward, Greater Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church and Grace Episcopal Church, along with former Turning Point CEOs and other community members who have supported us along the way.”
To join the community in breaking the cycle of domestic violence on September 13, participants can register here for Tara’s 5K Run & Walk now until September 12 for $35. On-site registration will be available for $40 at the event. The funds raised go directly to the Tara Liberation Fund at Turning Point, which helps domestic violence survivors in situations that require immediate assistance.
On the day of the event, registration begins at 9 a.m., followed by a brief program at 10 a.m. The 5K will start at 10:30 a.m., and awards will be presented to various age groups at 11:30 a.m. Complimentary hot dogs, chips and beverages will be available after the race. The event would not be possible without sponsors, including Jomar Valve, Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace, and Acts of Kindness Foundation. Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available and can be found here.
About Turning Point
Marking 45 years in 2025, Turning Point provides free, confidential, inclusive, and accessible services to honor the unique needs, identities, and experiences of survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking. Services include a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, housing, counseling, legal advocacy, personal protection order support, forensic nurse and first response advocacy, prevention, and community education. In addition to these programs, Turning Point operates Second Hand Rose, a resale store that offers gently used merchandise to the community to support survivors and the agency’s mission. On average, Turning Point provides services to over 27,000 survivors and community members annually. Visit www.turningpointmacomb.org for more information.
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