Wall climb to support survivors of sexual assault

UW–Madison and city celebrities will scale a climbing wall to support student survivors of sexual assault at a fund-raiser from noon-4 p.m., Thursday, April 24, on Library Mall.

Celebrities climbing and staffing the “Get Up, Climb Up” event will include Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, District Attorney Brian Blanchard, Dean of Students Luoluo Hong, Bucky Badger and others.

Students, faculty and staff, and community members also are invited to climb the wall or watch others climb, and donate money to the UW–Madison Dean of Students Crisis Fund. Part of the fund assists student survivors of sexual assault. The suggested donation is $5.

“Participants in this event can directly help student survivors of sexual assault,” says Hong. “Students’ donations can help ensure that survivors who may need financial assistance through a difficult time are able to receive it. The money might even end up helping a classmate or friend. The crisis loan eases a survivor’s situation, so that the student can, for example, go home to be with family.”

Those who climb and/or donate money will receive a special “Get Up, Climb Up” commemorative button. Celebrity climbers and supporters of the issue will arrive at 3 p.m., however anyone wanting to climb can do so starting at noon.

“As a student active on this issue, I’m excited to be a part of this event,” says Austin King, UW–Madison undergraduate and newly elected city alderperson. “National causes are important, but it’s essential to support our fellow students.”

“Get Up, Climb Up: Support Student Survivors of Sexual Assault” is part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and is sponsored by University Health Services.