By Maureen Smith
JACKSON – Purple was the color for the day for more than 200 runners in Northeast Jackson on Thursday, Oct. 18, as Catholic Charities hosted it’s annual Purple Dress Run to support its domestic violence programs. The run started this year at The District, a shopping and entertainment center just off Interstate 55, and wound its way through the Eastover neighborhood. Members of the Madison St. Joseph cross country team led off the race while the band played to inspire runners and walkers at their last turn near the end of the 5K.
Charities was set to open a new domestic violence shelter earlier this year when a fire heavily damaged the building. Rebuilding efforts are underway. Organizers hope to open early next year. Events such as the run help support the programs Charities offers to those who wish to escape a life of abuse and violence.