Auburn service clubs Soroptimist International and Kiwanis Noon Club will “light up the Auburn Justice Center purple” — the color associated with domestic violence — as they join with the Domestic Violence Victims Task Force to provide awareness of October, Domestic Violence Month.

A ceremony is scheduled for noon Monday at Auburn City Hall plaza area, 25 W. Main St. The ceremony will include Mayor Pete Lewis, the Auburn Police Department and a survivor’s story.

The lights will be turned on around the Auburn Justice Center next Friday, Oct. 1. Symbolic of the campaign, the purple lights will remain on during October as a reminder and time to reflect on the responsibilities of communities and citizens to build healthy, thriving families free from the threat of violence.

In addition, a regional law enforcement rally for domestic violence awareness month is scheduled for next Friday (Oct. 1) at 12:15 p.m. in Kent.

Police officers from King County Sheriff’s Office, Auburn, Kent, Federal Way and other South King agencies will gather along with the Attorney General and King County Prosecutor’s Office at the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. The event, sponsored by the Auburn Domestic Violence Task Force, will join law enforcement, domestic violence advocates, treatment providers, survivors and citizens, to rally against domestic violence.

The rally will move from the outside steps to the third floor rotunda in the event of inclement weather.

State Attorney General Rob McKenna, Kent Police Chief Steve Strachan and KCPAO Domestic Violent Unit will be on hand at the rally.

Speakers will address the efforts of law enforcement and the daily battle against the preventable harm of domestic violence, the progress made in the 30-plus years of domestic violence legislation and the continuing issues that must be addressed.

A line of patrol cars from several South King County agencies will be parked on the large sidewalk in front of the entrance. Their attending officers will be present and ready to display the purple ribbon in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

At the rally, the KCPAO DV Unit will present the 13th annual Norm Maleng Law Enforcement Award to three outstanding officers in recognition of their efforts to combat domestic violence.

====

OCTOBER EVENTS

• Fifth annual Children’s Fun Walk to Stop the Violence: Noon-2 p.m., Oct. 23, Roegner Park, 601 Oravetz Road SE, Auburn. Hosted by the Auburn Domestic Violence Task Force. Fee: $10 for family. Proceeds from 5K (3.1-mile) event to support survivors of domestic violence. In the spirit of Halloween, family-friendly costumes encouraged. Remember purple is the color for domestic violence awareness. Cool kid friendly prizes will be awarded. Pets on leashes also are welcome. For more information, call Shelly David, domestic violence legal advocate, City of Auburn Prosecutor’s Office, at 253-931-3072 (sdavid@auburnwa.gov) or Kim Hicks at 253-939-2243.

• Skate to Stop Domestic Violence: 5-7 p.m., Oct. 23, Skate Connection, 1825 Howard Road, Auburn. Skating and skate rentals free (Rollerblades $2). Complimentary cake, coffee and lemonade. Donations accepted. Proceeds will benefit survivors of domestic violence in Auburn. For more information, call Shelly David at 253-931-3072 or sdavid@auburnwa.gov.

ALSO

• Vendors wanted for Christmas bizarre/raffles: Nov. 6, Poodle Dog Restaurant, 1522 54th Ave. E, Fife. $25 per table/space. Proceeds go to the survivors of Domestic Violence Legal Fund. For details, contact Jane Balmer, baker at the restaurant, at 253-922-6161 or 253-439-8920, or Shelly David, DV legal advocate, 253-209-7922.

====

About Soroptimists

Soroptimist is an organization of professional working women whose mission is to improve the lives of women and girls in our community and throughout the world. The Auburn Soroptimist club participates in Soroptimist International of the Americas’ major service project, the Women’s Opportunity Awards program — cash grants for women seeking to improve their economic situation through additional training and/or education. Many of these women are domestic abuse survivors.?

About Kiwanis

The Kiwanis Club of Auburn is a service organization that has served Auburn since 1922. Kiwanis, through guidance and example, works to develop future generations of leaders through its service to families and communities. Numerous local non-profit agencies are actively supported with financial and volunteer resources including those that serve domestic abuse victims. Kiwanis is pleased to participate in bringing awareness to this important cause and believe for a change in the lives of residents in the greater Auburn area.