CrossWalk Donations Surpass Expectations For Victims Of Crime In Marion County (Photo) - 04/28/26
Salem, OR – April 28, 2026 – On March 7th of this year, the 14th annual CrossWalk fundraising event brought approximately 140 community members from Marion County together raising money in support of victims of crime. The 1.5 mile walk began and ended at the Gerry Frank Amphitheater at Salem’s Riverfront Park. On Friday April 24, 2026, representatives from CrossWalk presented Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson with a check for $70,000 – more than double the funds collected in 2025.
CrossWalk supports the Marion County District Attorney’s Office Victim Assistance Program, which has served victims of violent crime since its establishment in 1981. Over the decades, the program has expanded its reach and extended its services to its current state with numerous full-time dedicated employee advocates who work alongside volunteers and interns. These individuals generously give their heart and time to provide critical services to victims throughout Marion County.
These services include 24-hour on-call support for survivors of sexual assault and for the loved ones of homicide victims, guidance and support throughout the entire life of a case in the prosecution process - grand jury, motions and trial, sentencings and parole hearings - and connect victims of child abuse, domestic violence, stalking, elder abuse, and other traumatic crimes to vital supports available in the community.
There is always more work to be done and more needs to fill than can be met by the county budget. CrossWalk seeks to fill that gap with funds that allow the Marion County District Attorney’s Office to help in tangible ways not otherwise available. Because of Crosswalk, crime victims can receive sustaining services in their attempts to regain some semblance of normalcy. Ways in which CrossWalk dollars have been used to provide these crucial services include:
- Hotel stays for victims and their families who lost a home
- Securing airfare for family members to join a hospitalized victim or attend sentencing proceedings in support
- Purchasing dog food for victims’ pets during unstable times
- Covering the cost of storage units for displaced domestic violence victims to safely maintain their property
- Obtaining clothing items for victims who lost everything as a result of a crime
- Installing a security system following burglaries
- Paying utility bills for a family after domestic violence disrupted their economic stability
The CrossWalk event was founded by Salem resident Mary Lucas, whose life changed on New Year’s Day in 2011. While walking near Riverfront Park, Lucas was attacked by a man who dragged her down an embankment and held her at knifepoint. Her calls for help were heard by three young men who intervened and brought her to safety. The attacker was later apprehended by Salem Police and prosecuted by the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.
Lucas later created CrossWalk to transform that traumatic experience into something positive - an opportunity for the community to come together, raise awareness, and support victims of violent crime.
“CrossWalk is a powerful example of turning tragedy into purpose,” said District Attorney Paige Clarkson. “The funds raised through this event directly support services that help victims navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives. While we can never undo what happened to them, the generosity of Crosswalk’s work means we can try to help victims move forward. I am always overwhelmed by the charitable heart of our community and the resilience of the people we serve. We are privileged to do this work.”
The Victim Assistance Program continues to advocate for victim rights, provide direct services, and strengthen partnerships across agencies to better serve the community. If you are interested in learning more about being a volunteer, click here. To make a donation to CrossWalk visit www.crosswalksalem.org.
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