Some of the KAI Partners’ men getting ready to walk a mile!
By Michele Sadowski
As a recent transplant to Sacramento, it has been on my to do list to meet new people. Community service is a great way to meet new people.
One of the reasons I chose to work at KAI Partners is because of its strong commitment to community service, so when it was announced that KAI Partners would participate in WEAVE’s “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” annual fundraiser, I immediately signed up. In Sacramento County, WEAVE is the primary provider of crisis intervention services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
It was a bucolic day—light wind and unseasonably cool for this time of year (or so they tell me)—perfect for a long walk in some stilettos…or crazy boots…or well, anything that had high heels on them.
As I walked into Crocker Park, I was greeted by luxurious trees and teeming, lively, cheerful people sitting on blankets, tables, or walking around with their adorable dogs. Many were sampling the flavors of food and drink from a long line of food trucks stationed at the park for the hungry walkers and their supporters. It was the first time I have ever seen a lobster food truck. For all of the crazy weird foods you can find at a festival in Wisconsin, where I’m from, you will not find a lobster truck—a deep fried Oreo cookie or pickle, sure. In the background a rock band was playing and there were more than a couple of folks swaying and singing along, and just off the side of the stage was a giant red shoe!
The WEAVE team, all in their purple shirts, were amazing! To see all those young people there to make a difference—to support and commit to something so strongly and with such energy—was absolutely life affirming. I caught them in a quick game of kick ball in-between manning their booth—it looked like so much fun I wanted to join in.
While the event opened at 11:30am, the walk didn’t start until 1pm. So, after a long leisurely walk about, I went to go find my cohorts. KAI Partners was a sponsor of the event and of course our team was out in full force. Working onsite for a client, I don’t get much time with my teammates, so I truly enjoyed having the opportunity to get to know them a little better.
The time finally came for the walk to begin, and a mass of humanity began walking towards the start line, and then they were off. About 15 minutes later the walkers began to return. They were greeted with cheers and cow bells—yup, cowbells—and I think my ears are still ringing. Each participant received a rope with cowbell on it and a medal as a memento of their achievement. One man twisted his ankle just as he was coming over the finish line and wow it looked excruciatingly painful. Been there done that!
I’m so proud of the men and women who put those heels on and walked that mile. It was a nice day, but a mile in heels is hard (and painful, right guys?)! All in all, it was a great day to be outside and to support a great cause. I look forward to participating in next year’s event.
About Michele: Michele is a recent Certified ScrumMaster with 20+ years of communications and project lead experience in small and large technology firms. After a 15-year stint in Wisconsin, Michele recently returned to California. When not at work, she spends her time learning about her new home, Sacramento, CA, and enjoying time with family and friends.