by Noella Noelophile®
“I’ve never seen so many men in high heels!”
That was a bystander’s comment, during today’s fifth annual Red High Heels Walk in Belmont Shore.
This special event, hosted by community activist Justin Rudd and his nonprofit Community Action Team, had dual purposes: to raise awareness of heart health, and to raise funds for charity.
And, the speaker was absolutely right.
A lot of men did get a view of life from “aboard” a pair of platforms, for the occasion.
Community groups were invited to sign up for today’s free event, with Community Action Team donating to a church, school or charity represented by that group, based on the number of walkers in red shoes.
There were plenty of those today.
The walk was scheduled for noon. So, by 11:30 this morning, the traditional “red carpet” was waiting. 
Participants signed in at Livingston Park, in Belmont Shore–notably, a new location for Red High Heels Walk registration. (Previous Walks have started at Second and Nieto. However, construction was going on in this area today.)
Walkers had been encouraged to make and bring their own signs, about heart health.
Among today’s participating groups were team members from the Badfish Roller Derby. (Want to see them skate? They’re having a bout tomorrrow, weather permitting, at The Gaslamp, in Long Beach!)
Members of the Gay-Straight Alliance participated…
…and so did the Nursing Student Association, from Long Beach City College.
One participant had dressed for the occasion in these.
“Are they comfortable?” she was asked.
“Well, I haven’t worn them in a long time,” was her laughing response.
Meanwhile, on display, as people signed in, were these. And they weren’t just for show!
“Those are Justin’s,” explained Miss Southern California Cities Anne Marie Rye (left), as she checked in registrants.
Later that morning, organizer and Chief Inspiration Officer Justin Rudd would literally “walk his talk”!
The day’s events started solemnly–with Justin greeting everyone and asking the attendees to raise their hand if they knew someone affected by heart disease. Raising his own hand, along with most of the group, he asked for a moment of silence to honor those who were dealing with heart issues, or who had died of a heart attack.
Then, removing his cap, he introduced National Anthem Sing-Off winner Norma S. Morein, who sang the “Star-Spangled Banner” in a goosebump-raising soprano.
Amid the cheers that followed, it was time to go.
Groups led off first, followed by individuals.
Walkers headed down Park Avenue, took a right turn onto Second Street and walked to the end of the business district. 
Then, they turned around and headed back up the other side, towards the Bay Shore Library.
The one-mile route took the walkers down both sides of Second Street…
And then…
Back onto the red carpet, and to the finish point, back at Livingston Park. 
Picture-taking and note-comparing ensued. So (of course!) did the kicking-off of a few pairs of high heels.
“We still have to walk back to the car!” one woman laughed, as she and her group prepared to leave.
Great job, everybody, and congratulations to Community Action Team, on the fifth anniversary of a great event! See you next year.