Burke, from Fort Dodge, was only 2- years-old when her mother, Rosemary McKee, was killed by her husband, Burke’s father.

This Saturday she will lead runners and walkers in the fourth annual Going the Distance Fundraiser Remembrance and Awareness Walk to support the Domestic Sexual Assault Outreach Center in Fort Dodge.

Saturday’s event, which starts at 10 a.m. at Sunkissed Meadows in Fort Dodge, is part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month as the shelter seeks to shine light on the services it offers.

“I think it’s really important to be aware that there are resources out there,” said Burke. “And they can speak to someone if they are in need.”

Julie Burke

In 2022 Burke ran a marathon in honor of her mother and helped raise funds for DSAOC. But a knee injury kept her from running in 2023, so she launched the Remembrance and Awareness Walk to give others a chance to share their stories and help support the shelter.

“When I ran in the Des Moines Marathon in 2022, I realized October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month, so I reached out to the ladies at DSAOC,” Burke said. “The next year I wasn’t able to run, but I wanted to do something. I came up with the idea of a memorial and remembrance walk. It’s a chance for people to show support for those they’ve lost and to make a statement. I hope people will join in.”

There is no pre-registration for Saturday’s walk. Those that want to participate can show up at Sukissed Meadows and participate. People may walk, run, or even ruck, which is walking with a heavy backpack. The loop around Sunkissed is approximately 1.2 miles so participants can choose to do one, two or three laps. Three laps is equivalent to a 5K.

The walk will be held rain or shine. Burke said pets are welcome to join the walk.

Those that wish to donate to DSAOC can make monetary donations through the Facebook page that Burke created for the event or through DSAOC’s website. If anyone wishes to bring items for the shelter, Burke will collect those Saturday. DSAOC’s needs are listed on its website as well.

Burke will also have purple awareness bracelets available. Those are offered with a suggested donation of $2.

Last year, more than a dozen people joined the walk. Burke is hoping to double or triple that this year.

“This is very close to my heart,” she said. “There are a lot of people out there that don’t know help is available. I don’t know if my mother ever tried to find resources. They are available now and people are speaking up.”

For more information, visit the Going the Distance fundraiser page on Facebook or DSAOC’s Facebook page and website, www.DSAOC.com.

If You Go

What: Fourth annual Going the Distance Fundraiser Remembrance and Awareness Walk

When: 10 a.m. Saturday

Where: Sunkissed Meadows, Fort Dodge