Signature event comes amid increasing media reports of domestic violence

Media Contact: Lucie Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; lucie@eafocus.com; 248.925.6726; Sara Dobbyn, Turning Point, sdobbyn@turningpointmacomb.org; 586-463-4430 Ext. 240

Mount Clemens, Mich. – August 15, 2023 – Turning Point, an agency whose mission is to empower survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence and human trafficking through comprehensive services and resources, will host its 16th annual Tara’s 5K Run & Walk presented by The Huttenlocher Group on Saturday, September 23, at Freedom Hill County Park in Sterling Heights, Michigan. This year, the event is returning to its original format, bringing back a timed 5K run along with the walk.

Tara Grant was tragically murdered by her husband in 2007 in Macomb County. To honor her legacy, Turning Point and Tara’s sister, Alicia Standerfer, formed a partnership and have held the annual walk ever since her death. Standerfer and her husband, as well as Tara’s two grown children, return to Michigan every year to honor Tara’s legacy and to raise awareness for domestic violence. Turning Point’s President and CEO, Sharman Davenport, Ph.D., is glad to see the continuation of the event again this year, especially with domestic violence at the center of so many recent local headlines.

“We gather at Tara’s 5K Run &Walk not only to remember and honor Tara, but also to carry on our important work toward eradicating domestic violence in our communities,” Davenport noted. “We all play a role in bringing an end to domestic violence, which has been the subject of too many tragic headlines in Metro Detroit this year. The money we raise from this event helps Turning Point continue our critical services to support survivors of domestic violence and prevent situations like Tara’s from happening to others.”

To join in the fight against domestic violence on September 23, participants can register for Tara’s 5K Run & Walk and receive an early registration rate of $30 now through August 31. Starting September 1 until online registration closes on September 20, registration is $35. Onsite registration will also be available for $40 at the event. The funds raised go directly to the Tara Liberation Fund, which helps domestic violence survivors in situations that require immediate assistance.

On the day of the event, registration begins at 9 a.m. A brief program will be held at 10 a.m. before the 5K commences at 10:30 a.m. Awards will be presented to age groups at 11 a.m. and complimentary hot dogs, chips and beverages will be provided by Lakepointe Church after the race. More information, including sponsorship opportunities and the registration link, are available here.

About Turning Point 
Turning Point provides comprehensive, free, and confidential programs for domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking survivors, their loved ones, and the community. Services include a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, housing, trauma advocacy/counseling, personal protection order assistance, legal advocacy, forensic nurse exams, first response advocacy, prevention, and community education. Second Hand Rose, another Turning Point service, provides survivors with gently used items while providing an opportunity for the community to donate and shop. Serving Metro Detroit for more than 43 years, Turning Point has helped over 125,000 survivors. Visit www.turningpointmacomb.org for more information.

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