Hundreds of Austinites enjoyed a pleasant Saturday evening walk in the second-annual Illuminate Austin. The purpose of this event was to raise awareness of domestic violence issues. Proceeds benefited non-profit SafePlace, which provides shelter and services to sexual and domestic violence victims in our area.

The walk was held at the Mueller Lake Park, located in the huge Mueller development that used to be Austin’s main airport. This was a perfect location for this kind of event. The Browning Hangar provided shelter for the stage and booths, and the half-mile trail around Lake Park was flat and easy to walk. We were even able to get a quick dinner at the nearby food trucks.

SafePlace Executive Director, Julia Spann, welcomed the walkers. Luci Baines Johnson explained that she is a strong supporter of SafePlace, in memory of her friend who was a domestic violence victim. Local Congressman Lloyd Doggett also spoke of his ongoing support for this organization.

On our first lap around the lake, we enjoyed a lovely view of the hangar and the park’s twinkling strings of lights, all with a Texas sunset in the background.

Night was approaching by the time we started our second lap around the lake. The paper bag luminaries were now lit along the pathway. I’ve read that over $116,000 was raised for SafePlace. What an enjoyable evening…and all for a good cause!

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