A success THANKS to YOU!

MAAV's 30th Annual Walk A Success!

Members of the MHS Student Action Board lead the Walk to End Domestic Violence (Raj Das, edphotos.com)

Hundreds joined the event aimed at building community

30th Annual Candlelight Vigil & Walk to End Domestic Violence

Sunday, October 5, 2025

Melrose Alliance Against Violence (MAAV) would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the many community members who attended the 30th Annual Candlelight Vigil and Walk to end Domestic Violence on Sunday October 5, 2025. We began the event by honoring the 11 victims who lost their lives to domestic violence in Massachusetts this year. Following the Vigil, attendees walked the 2 mile route through Melrose while church bells rang out in unison and unity.

MAAV was honored to be joined by State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian, who stood up for a victim and read their name. Accompanying her as readers were Chief Kevin Faller of Melrose PD and Chief John White of Melrose FD, Melrose School Superintendent Cari Berman and Anthony Chui of Melrose Health Department, Magen Price of Mystic Valley Sexual Wellness, Bill Wyman of Tufts Medicine, MAAV Board Member Taylor Tinmouth and MAAV Student Action Board Members Zoe Blumenthal, Naomi Breay and Mae Donohue.

A very special moment of the Vigil came when previous MAAV Executive Director Rebecca Mooney gave a moving tribute to her dear friend and former MAAV Board President Joan Bell. Following Rebecca, former Student Action Board member and current MAAV board member Madelyn Strike announced, on behalf of the MAAV board, the creation of the Joan Bell Memorial Scholarship. Strike noted, “Joan often reminded us that what we do and what we say truly matters. She dedicated herself to teaching her children, and our community the meaning of healthy relationships and the importance of knowing where to turn for support.” The scholarship will be awarded each year, in perpetuity, to a graduating Student Action Board member who reflects Joan’s compassion, positivity and commitment to others.

The success of this event would not be possible without the partnership of many individuals and businesses who generously contributed their time and talent to this event:

30th Walk Committee - Jen Winslow, Chair; Jen Franco, Tracey Keenan, Taylor Makson, Madelyn Strike, Imogen Thomas
Raj Das of ED Photography
MMTV - filming the Vigil
Ell and Jana Gimenez - music for the Vigil
Hannaford & Dumas - printing the Vigil programs
Julie Mallon - face painting at the post walk event
Anthony DiBenedetto & MHS '25 video production interns - MAAV's 30th Anniversary video
Jen Winslow - 30th t-shirt design
INspire Cafe & Buckalew's General Store - providing slush and baked treats

MAAV also sends a note of thanks to the follow partners for their collaboration and support in making the event a success:

Follow Your Art Community Studios - Community Art Project
Erin Foley - American Sign Language Interpreter, Partners Interpreting
LaQchara Food Truck
Frosty Ice Cream Truck
Kyle Omstead, Omstead Sound
Quality Graphics - t-shirt printing
MG Signs - Banner updates
Sachem Signworks - signage updates

Finally, MAAV would like to especially recognize the close to 100 businesses and individuals who kindly sponsored this event, the 17 Walk teams who raised funds through the power of crowdfunding as well as the countless others who donated to the walk. The complete lists of our sponsors and teams are found on our website, www.maav.org, and we urge you to support them often and thank them for their commitment to keeping our community safe from violence.

Last Call for T-shirts!

There are a limited amount of 30th Anniversary t-shirts remaining. If you missed purchasing one at the walk or realized you would love to have 2, complete the form below and we will contact you regarding purchase and pick-up. Don't miss out!

Shirts are $20/each. Available in adult SM - XXL

T-Shirt Order Form

This past spring, the video production team at Melrose High School produced a 30th anniversary video on MAAV’s past, present and future. It was shared with Vigil attendees at the event and can be viewed here: 30 Years of MAAV

More photos of the event: 2025 Candlelight Vigil and Walk (Raj Das, ED Photography)

Watch the Candlelight Vigil: MMTV (will be posted soon)

Coverage of the 30th Walk & Vigil from The Melrose Messenger

Donate here to the Walk to End Domestic VIolence

MELROSE ALLIANCE AGAINST VIOLENCE | [www.maav.org]