Friends and family of Laura Lee Godfrey-Holliman gathered at Ola J. Pickett Park in Caledonia for a 5K run/walk in her memory to help raise domestic violence awareness.
Holliman was shot and killed in her home in 2008. Her husband, Brian Holliman, was convicted of murder and sentence to life.
Brittany Bigham and Sylvia Wedel, both longtime Caledonia residents, organized the event. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
“We started the run at sunset,” Bigham said. “That’s because even relationships that start out happy and beautiful, can turn dark quickly. What’s worse is victims try to keep the abuse secret. Their family and friends sometimes don’t know it’s even happening. It’s a dark, ugly, deadly secret that women too often keep to themselves.”
Laura Lee Godfrey Holliman was a Caledonia native, nurse, softball player and pee-wee football cheer leading coach.
“It’s time to bring the secret abuse out of the dark and into the open. Before we lose another Laura Lee,” Bigham, who wears a bright red heart on her wrist, said. “When people ask about the red heart, I have the opportunity to tell them there is help and there is hope.”
The proceeds and donations from Saturday’s event will benefit Safe Haven Inc., a shelter for victims of domestic violence.
If you or someone you know needs help to escape domestic violence, call the toll-free hotline 800-890-6040.
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