NEWBURYPORT — After gathering at Waterfront Park Sunday morning, hundreds of people put one foot in front of the other and raised more than $100,000 during the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center’s 34th annual Walk Against Domestic Violence.
“It was a wonderful day,” Jeanne Geiger Executive Assistant to the CEO Jessica Plante said.
Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center is a nonprofit that helps approximately 1,200 to 1,400 adults and children each year move from crisis to safety and long-term independence since opening in 1982.
Registration for the walk opened at 9 a.m., with Plante working the table.
“It was a super large turnout, more than I’ve seen in my years that I’ve worked here. The energy was great and we had beautiful weather,” Plante said.
In the hour leading up to the walk, which began at 10 a.m., folks enjoyed food and drinks, kids activities, prize opportunities and more.
“We had a lovely speaker. We had a survivor come and talk about her experience and how we were able to help her. So it was moving and emotional,” Plante said.
The event was a big success in terms of raising funds, bringing in $105,143.39, according to jeannegeigercrisiscenter.org. Events and Fundraising Coordinator Vanessa Ayersman later shared an anonymous donor had helped them meet their $110,000 goal.
Plante spoke about the importance of the fundraiser.
“These funds go to supporting our programs here at the crisis center, which we provide services to survivors and their children for free of charge if they experience any type of domestic violence. So it’s walks like these that fund our programs so that we can continue to provide these services,” Plante said.
Asked what she most looks forward to each year at the annual walk, she said it is the feeling of community as everyone comes out to support a common cause.
“Even if it might be people that we see once or twice a year for the walk and for our other white ribbon event, it’s fantastic to see everyone come out,” Plante said.
Dozens of local organizations sponsored and attended the event, including the Institution for Savings.
“The groups that come out like Institution for Savings, they have a massive group that comes out. So it’s really exciting to see everyone get excited and go and bring their family and friends into it as well,” Plante said.
Institution for Savings Executive Vice President Kim Rock said the bank has seen firsthand how its work provides a lifeline of hope for so many in the community, even during the most difficult of times.
“While this walk reminds us that our work is far from over, we are honored to continue our long-standing partnership with Suzanne and her team in support of their tireless efforts to ensure that no one has to walk this journey alone,” Rock said.
Multiple groups that participated in the event have since taken to social media to praise the event, including the Pettengill House.
“We’re proud to stand alongside so many in our community raising awareness and walking together toward hope, healing, and safety for all,” according to its Facebook post.
YWCA Greater Newburyport posted they were honored to participate.
“It was a beautiful day to wear orange and show our support. Our youngest marchers crushed it,” the group wrote in its Facebook post.
Daily News editor Dave Rogers contributed to this report.
Matt Petry covers Amesbury and Salisbury for The Daily News of Newburyport. Email him at: mpetry@northofboston.com.