While spending some time at Interval House – a local non-profit organization that provides support for victims of domestic abuse – back in June, researching for a profile piece that can be found here, I joked that the group should have a trophy case to display all of the national and international awards that members have received. Of those members, Interval House founder and past program director Mary Walton was the most decorated, and recently she has added a few more honors to that imaginary trophy case.
Last week, Walton was honored with the Lifetime Achievement in Advocacy Award from the Institute on Violence, Abuse & Trauma. The honor is given to an individual who “exemplifies compassion, wisdom, and tirelessness and serves those who most need an ally during the most painful of times.” After spending just a few minutes with Walton three months ago, I still vividly remember the passion and warmth she spoke with – no doubt the same qualities that have been most prevalent in her distinguished career.
That award was given on September 16, little more than one month after Walton was awarded with the Sunshine Peace Award from the Sunshine Lady Foundation, which is a private foundation founded by Doris Buffet, sister of billionaire investor Warren Buffet.
“I am blessed, humbled and so very grateful for these awards recognizing the work that so many at Interval House have done over the past 30-plus years to end intimate partner violence,” Walton said. “It is a privilege to bring attention and focus to both the victories and challenges for the thousands of individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. This kind of awareness saves lives.”
By Ryan ZumMallen, Managing Editor