The second Mini’s Run was held in East Bridgewater, with a goal of raising awareness about domestic violence, and supporting survivors.
It’s named after Shana Warner, who was killed by her estranged husband along Route 3A in Marshfield in 2018.
Kat Bartlett of Kat’s Kastle Foundation helped organized the event.
“It’s so empowering. One of Shana’s favorite things to do, and to be able to keep her name alive is so important to me,” said Bartlett. “That’s why I started it from the beginning – to be able to make sure that I could get as many victims and survivors to come forward and step out of their shadows.”
Shana Warner was described as someone who loved her children, camping, and helping others. She worked with her father at his landscaping business for 13 years.
The memorial poker run concluded with speeches, vendors, and live music at the East Bridgewater Commercial Club.
Kat’s Kastle Foundation has support programs that include self-defense training, emergency assistance, and retreats for survivors of domestic violence.
Bartlett detailed her own story, as a survivor of an abusive relationship.
“South Shore Resource and Advocacy Center saved my life. One hundred percent,” said Bartlett. “If it wasn’t having that hotline number to be able to call them, and get me out, help me make a plan, I probably wouldn’t be here.”
Karen Fabrizio is the Program Coordinator for SHARES, a homicide program in Bristol and Plymouth Counties. She’s a domestic violence advocate in Plymouth County.
She said some people are unaware of services that are available. Events like Mini’s Run help create awareness.
“Reach out, and we can do a safety plan with them, if they call South Shore Resource and Advocacy Center, 508-746-2664. We can connect them to services in their area. If they’re in our area, we will immediately get them, do an intake, and then we will start services,” said Fabrizio. “Everything is free of charge.”
More information is available at SSRAC.org.
“It’s very important. If you don’t know what the resources are, you might not be able to get out. You’ll be stuck in a situation that unfortunately, you’re stuck in there because you’re afraid to go, you’re being manipulated, you’re being abused, you’re being beat down,” said Fabrizio. “We will give you the strength, we will help you get your voice, and bring you to the next level of safety.”
On Saturday, hundreds of motorcycles took to the road in support of Mini’s Run.
Kayla Bennett says Bartlett helped her conquer her own traumas from abuse.
“It’s probably one of the greatest foundations made,” said Bennett. “I met Kat a few years ago, and in those few years, she’s helped me come out of my shell as a warrior.”
“It’s very overwhelming, and some people will say ‘oh they’re just going for the run.’ No, they’re coming to hear, they’re coming to give their time and their dedication, all these vendors, all the staff. Kat herself, who invested, all on her own, money, thousands. These people come here all day long to make sure that they’re hearing us, they’re participating, they’re getting the word across,” said Bennett. “They’re taking cards, putting them in their pocket, and passing them to their friends, and letting them know that we are here – that Kat is here.”
More information can be found at KatsKastleFoundation.com.