Willowbrook to host 3rd annual ‘Purple Out’ in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

On Oct. 1, the color purple will fill the halls at Willowbrook, as the school will host a “Purple Out” in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the first Day of Unity observed in October 1981 by the coalition. The Day of Unity is celebrated on the first Monday in October, and support is shown by wearing purple.

Willowbrook senior Christian Cloutier started the “Purple Out” initiative two years ago and is making this year’s event even bigger. He will have a booth with the MENTORS program and the INTERACT Club on Oct. 1 in the cafeteria, which will have information about domestic violence. They also will distribute purple ribbons and prizes to students who go above and beyond with participating in the “Purple Out.”

Cloutier is implementing a poster contest this year as well, and the 1st-through 3rd-place winners will receive a gift certificate. For details about the contest and other “Purple Out” activities, go to https://dupage88.net/site/public/files/?item=2455. 

Cloutier said he began the “Purple Out” at Willowbrook because one of his family members was affected by domestic violence, and he wants to make sure his classmates don’t suffer that same fate. Find out more about Cloutier’s work on the Facebook page for Domestic Violence Angels at http://tinyurl.com/k7mwj9d.