Linfield University students rallied to support survivors during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, raising more than $4,000 for Henderson House through two campus events in April.
Linfield Theatre and the Department of Music donated all proceeds from the sold-out opening night performance of “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” to the local nonprofit. Ninety-eight attendees packed Ford Hall on April 24, generating $800 for Henderson House.
Located in McMinnville, Henderson House is a local non-profit that provides people with resources regarding sexual and domestic violence.
“Henderson House provides survivors in Yamhill County 100% confidential one-on-one support, 24-hour crisis response, emergency shelter, assistance with safety plans and protection orders, resource referral, support groups, prevention education, as well as court and emergency room accompaniment,” Development Director Rachel Flores said.
Linfield Theatre first partnered with Henderson House in 2020 as part of the national “V Day Celebration” movement. Since 2023, the theatre program has donated opening-night ticket sales each April to the organization.
“April is Sexual Assault Awareness month, and Henderson House does many fundraising activities throughout the county,” said Vicky Ragsdale, administrative coordinator and box office manager for the Department of Theatre and Communication Arts. “This was our third supporting their efforts through our spring production.”
Following the performance, guests celebrated opening night with a reception featuring wine and light refreshments.
Earlier in the month, Linfield’s Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity held its 10th annual Walk A Mile in Her Shoes fundraiser. It raised an additional $3,200 for Henderson House. During the event, fraternity brothers strapped on high heels and walked around Linfield’s campus to raise awareness about sexual assault.
“The reason we walk in women’s high heels is because they symbolize the many struggles a lot of women face — not just physically, but emotionally and psychologically,” fraternity president Radule Bozovic ’26 said. “Walking even a short distance in heels is uncomfortable, awkward and challenging for most men, which is the whole point.”
Together, these campus events underscored Linfield’s strong commitment to building a safer community on campus and in the region.
Performance dates and ticket information “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” are available at linfield.edu/arts.
Additional information about Henderson House and its services is online at hendersonhouse.org. The advocacy center is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. A 24-hour crisis line is available at 503-472-1503.
Collaborating with the Community
Every April, Linfield’s Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity grabs attention — and raises thousands of dollars — for sexual assault awareness by strutting across campus in women’s shoes. It’s more than a stunt. It’s a statement of solidarity, and it’s changing the way students connect with the community.
