When I first heard about the High Heel Hike for Autism, I thought, "This is my kind of 'walk-a-thon:'"
The distance is 1K: Check. Even I can make it that far.
It takes place in a mall: Check. I've often thought that marathons would be more appealing if there were more opportunities to shop along the way. And if they were shorter (see #1).
You have an excuse to wear cute high heels: And CHECK. I have several pairs of adorable strappy stilettos languishing on my closet shelf, awaiting the day I no longer have to carry a child around on my hip, back, hanging from my neck, etc. ([Sniff] That day is coming ...)
The Original High Heel Hike is the brainchild of talented Florida pop artist Jules Burt, and she has used her event to raise funds for a number of worthy causes: Moffitt Cancer Center, Easter Seals, breast cancer, The National Music Foundation -- and, of course, autism charities such as the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities.
Jules, who recently announced the Jules Burt Foundation for Autism, takes the High Heel Hike, and the new Dudes in the Doghouse event, to various cities (see a schedule of upcoming hikes HERE) and lets the local "Board of Divas" weigh in on where the money should go. Her goal is to keep 80 percent of the locally raised funds in the local community, helping local people.
One thing I love about Jules is that she takes action. She wanted to use her name and success as an artist to help others, so she just got started. In a month focused on awareness, I wanted to draw attention to what one person can do with a few friends, some cute shoes and a trip to the mall. To date, Jules has helped raise over $400,000 for various autism charities.
When I first heard about the High Heel Hike, I found Jules on Facebook and sent her a message saying, "How can we get this event in Tallahassee?" Almost immediately, I got a message back directly from Jules, saying, "Honey, I'll call you in the morning!" And she did. After a 45-minute conversation, I was even more impressed: by her positive spirit, her unflagging energy and her infectious laughter.
We're hoping to bring Jules and her Hike to Tallahassee later this year. In the meantime, she's busy spreading the word about autism and helping increase awareness in the Tampa area. If you're interested in getting involved with a High Heel Hike or want more information on the Foundation or autism, "like" The Jules Burt Foundation for Autism on Facebook or email jburt3@tampabay.rr.com.
...or grab my button!
BUY THIS BOOK!
(Billy and I are in it.)