High Heels for Healing: Sparkles, Bling, and Dollar, Dollar Bills

Two dozen men in the community strapped on high heels and took to the catwalk tonight for the 14^th annual High Heels for Healing, including our very own Chief Meteorologist Joe Bartosik.

High Heels for Healing is the main fundraiser for Soroptimist International of Humboldt Bay.

“Every dollar of it goes to help the women and girls of Humboldt County in the form of scholarships and grants. We’re really proud of that,” Heather Bitner, Soroptimist member told us.

“One of our proudest was about two years ago when Teen Challenge had a truck that the women used for cleaning the bus stops,” Patti Dutton added. “It broke down. We were able to raise the money, get some other sponsors, and gave them a truck, had it painted and it helped keep the women working.”

Before the event got started, members of Soroptimist walked around selling raffle tickets and bundles of dollar bills.

Why the dollars?

They’re for people to throw on the stage at the men walking in the heels. All of the money collected goes to the scholarship fund.

Joe danced down the catwalk in unicorn bedazzled high heels, a khaki rain jacket, and a pink sequined hat to match a pink umbrella. His routine was to “It’s Raining Men,” by The Weather Girls.

He was the first on the stage, which can be a tough spot, but Joe made the most of it, and pretty soon, women were lining up to toss money at him.

“What a great way to launch off the show,” Joe said after his appearance. “I’m sweating. I’m out of breath. I even did a little singing. Soroptimists do a great job for women in the community, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”