The Aurora University baseball and softball programs teamed up on Saturday, February 14 for Wayside Cross Ministries and specifically the Walk a mile in my shoes fundraiser. A vital part of the event is participants are asked to raise $50 or more to aid women and children, and at-risk youth.

The AU baseball program raised $1,600, the most by the organizations and individuals that participated in the event which marked its ninth year in 2015. AU baseball has participated in the last seven walks.

"Community service is a big part of our athletic program and we want it to continue to be a very important part of our baseball program," said AU Head Coach Adam Stevens. "I am very proud of our guys for raising the money and walking to help a great cause." 

The Walk-A-Mile event is meant to benefit battered and homeless women and children in Aurora. Wayside Cross Ministries hosted its ninth annual winter walk on February 14, 2015, the only winter walk in Chicagoland. The one mile walk is undertaken to help at-risk youth and the ministry's transitional living center for homeless women and children. Walk proceeds will benefit Lifespring Center and Urban Youth Ministry of Wayside Cross Ministries. The walk began at 8:00 a.m. from the John R. Harkness Center at 60 West 4th Street in Aurora.

The baseball and softball programs start the 2015 seasons during AU's spring break with both teams traveling to central Florida to compete in an invitational.