The rain cleared just in time for more than 645 walkers to fill the concourse of Truist Field on Saturday, May 17, for Safe Alliance's 2025 Walk A Mile. What began as a cloudy morning quickly transformed into a beautiful day, proof that not even the threat of storms could keep Charlotte from showing up for survivors. Together, families, friends, coworkers, and advocates laced up their sneakers, and in some cases, heels, to take a powerful stand against domestic violence and sexual assault. 
With more than $158,000 raised, every dollar will directly support Safe Alliance's critical services, including emergency shelter, legal advocacy, trauma counseling, and the 24/7 Greater Charlotte Hope Line. And walking at Truist Field gave this year's event deeper meaning: on a field known for home runs, we reminded our community that everyone deserves to be safe at home.
This year's walk brought unforgettable energy, joy, and deeply meaningful moments. The incredible Alpha Chi Omega (AXO) Zeta Iota Zeta Charlotte Alumnae team showed up in full Barbie glam with beautiful, empowering signs. The Nerd.0 team brought both heart and advocacy, dressed as Care Bears and proudly carrying a message that "Clothes are not consent." Michael Dudish, from the BMCofNC_CLT Be Hairy Do Good! team walked in his sister's shoes, literally, honoring her experience and bringing awareness with every step.
We're especially grateful to our presenting sponsors, Covia and Great Clips, and to our incredible Walk A Mile Committee for making this event come to life. From heartfelt signs to bold costumes, every person who showed up helped carry the message forward: survivors are not alone.
The Winners Circle
Every year, Walk A Mile participants bring creativity, heart, and a little friendly competition to the field. This year was no exception. Here are the standout teams and individuals who made a lasting impression in 2025:
Top Individual Fundraiser: Colson & Lincoln Goldstein
Top Team (Corporate): Bank of America LEAD Team
Top Team (Community): Too Tired to Be Inspired
Most Spirited: Michael Dudish
Most Creative Sign: Alpha Chi Omega (AXO) Zeta Iota Zeta Charlotte Alumnae
Fastest Finisher in Heels: Michael Dudish
Among this year's standout moments was the incredible fundraising effort by teen brothers Colson and Lincoln Goldstein, who raised over $15,000 to support survivors, earning them the Top Individual Fundraiser award. When asked why fundraising matters to them, they shared:
"I've been going to Walk A Mile for a while. When my mom first talked to me about personally fundraising, I was a little skeptical. " said Colson Goldstein. "The first year was on my 13th birthday and I asked for birthday gifts to go towards donations. But I have started to enjoy all the parts of fundraising. This year we did even more like making bracelets, having a yard sale, and sending out letters to get donations from family. I started recognizing that by doing all these activities it spreads awareness by talking to people."
For Lincoln, the motivation is simple, "It helps people. I like going to Walk A Mile because it is fun. We started early coming up with ideas and getting money. My favorite was making bracelets as a family."
As the event came to a close, it was impossible not to feel the overwhelming sense of gratitude from everyone involved. We're deeply grateful to every sponsor, participant, volunteer, and supporter who helped us reach this goal, both on the field and in our mission.
The funds raised will directly support survivors through Safe Alliance's critical programs and services. But beyond the numbers, this event reminded us of something even more powerful: everyone deserves to be safe at home.
Thank you for walking with us, standing with us, and believing in a future where safety, healing, and hope are within reach. We can't wait to see you next year.
