Signature event returns to raise awareness of the lethality of domestic violence and provide support and emergency resources for survivors

Media Contact: Lucie Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; lucie@eafocus.com; 248.925.6726; Denise Figurski, Turning Point, dfigurski@turningpointmacomb.org; 586-463-4430 Ext. 237

Mount Clemens, Mich. – September 13, 2024 – Turning Point, an agency whose mission is to empower survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking through comprehensive services and resources while advocating for community action to end oppression and violence, will host its 17th annual Tara’s 5K Run & Walk, presented by Jim and Julie Huttenlocher, on Saturday, September 21, at Freedom Hill County Park in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Following last year’s success, the 5K run will be a timed event with awards for the top men and women’s age categories again this year. The race also serves as a kickoff for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is observed in October.

Tara Grant was tragically murdered by her husband in 2007 in Macomb County. To honor her, Turning Point and Tara’s sister, Alicia Standerfer, formed a partnership to host Tara’s 5K and have held it every year since Tara’s death. Standerfer and her family, including Tara’s two grown children whom she and her husband raised, return to Michigan every year for the event to keep Tara’s legacy alive, raise awareness of domestic violence, and remind everyday citizens of the resources available for survivors. Turning Point President and CEO, Sharman Davenport, Ph.D., notes the importance of the event.

“Tara’s 5K Run & Walk is critical for both Turning Point and the greater metro Detroit area because domestic violence is pervasive in our communities – regardless of socio-economic status,” Davenport noted. “Whether you realize it or not, we all know someone who has been affected by it and we need everyone to work together to raise awareness of its prevalence and lethality to help bring a stop to it.”

To join in the fight against domestic violence on September 21, participants can register here for Tara’s 5K Run & Walk now until September 20 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. A brief program will be held at 10 a.m. with remarks from Davenport, a survivor speaker, and members of Tara’s family, before the 5K commences at 10:30 a.m. Awards will be presented to age groups at 11:30 a.m. and complimentary hot dogs, chips and beverages will be provided by Lakepointe Church after the race. Sponsorship opportunities are still available and can be found 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, counseling and advocacy, 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 44 years, Turning Point has helped over 125,000 survivors. Visit www.turningpointmacomb.org for more information.

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