October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and CARDV is trying to make that known.
Erica Nanney, CARDV director, said the organization has teamed up with local athletes to promote awareness following former NFL player Ray Rice's domestic violence case. Nanney said CARDV didn't want to dwell on that incident, and instead chose to recognize local athletes for being leaders in the community, joining the cause against domestic violence.
Football players at North Callaway, South Callaway and Fulton high schools will wear purple wristbands throughout October. Fulton and Mexico football players will wear purple wrist sweatbands during Fulton's homecoming game at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10.
"Even in the rivalry between the two schools, they're going to be united against domestic violence," Nanney said.
Nanney said this is a way for CARDV to get its "foot in the door" with local schools.
"Teenagers have real relationships and real feelings, but there isn't an instinctive road map for healthy relationships," Nanney said, adding that it can be challenging for teens to spot red flags in a relationship.
The Westminster College Football team will also wear the sweatbands during its homecoming game at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11.
"Yarn bombing" has also begun around Fulton. CARDV volunteers are wrapping purple yarn around trees, lamp posts and other places to create awareness. Kat Douglas, a two-year volunteer and professional artist, started "yarn bombing" with CARDV.
"It's a vibrant way to get the community's attention," Douglas said.
The organization is selling purple wristbands for $2 and purple car magnets for $5 to spread the word.
CARDV Purple Ribbon Race 5K Results:
Erik Stone, 20:00.5 minutes
Austin Walker, 24:03.7 minutes
Mark Koch, 24:47.9 minutes
Molly Owens, 25:02.0 minutes
Kim March, 25:36.0 minutes
Nicole Walker, 28:36.5 minutes
Jessica Mcnish, 28:41.5 minutes
Taylor Cater, 28:42.8 minutes
Adam Nanney, 29:08.4 minutes
Mandy March, 29:17.3 minutes