EFC Sponsors: Sheriff’s Shuffle 5K Run/Walk, Running to End Domestic Violence in Western Massachusetts

On Sunday, October 4, 2026, beginning at 10:30 AM, the greater western Massachusetts community will gather for the Sheriff’s Shuffle 5K Run/Walk, an event dedicated to raising awareness, supporting survivors, and taking action against domestic violence. Our law firm is proud to serve as a “Sheriff’s Premier Sponsor,” the event’s top sponsorship level. EFC has proudly participated in the Sheriff’s Shuffle every year — a cause that speaks directly to our firm’s longstanding commitment to our Western Massachusetts community.

The event will take place at the Ashley Reservoir in Holyoke, with post-race entertainment and festivities at the co-located Elks Lodge #902, 250 Whitney Avenue, Holyoke, Mass.

Registration is open now, and we encourage you to sign up today and run or walk alongside EFC’s team of colleagues, friends, and family.

Visit runsignup.com/Race/MA/Holyoke/SheriffsShuffle5kRunWalk to register for the 5K run or 1.5-mile walk. Entry fees increase after September 19, so the sooner you register, the better.

A Partnership Built to Protect

The Sheriff’s Shuffle is organized by Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi, who has once again partnered with the YWCA of Western Massachusetts to support survivors of domestic violence and help prevent it before it turns deadly. Every dollar raised goes directly to the YWCA’s life-saving programs, which provide emergency shelter, advocacy, counseling, and other critical services to individuals and families in crisis.

Sheriff Nick Cocchi at the Starting Line

The Scope of the Crisis

The need for these services is urgent and growing. In a single 24-hour period during a 2024 statewide survey, domestic violence programs across Massachusetts served more than 2,300 victims — while nearly 600 additional requests for help went unmet due to limited resources. In 2023 alone, the Commonwealth recorded 19 domestic violence homicides, continuing a troubling trend felt in communities across the state. Closer to home, the YWCA of Western Massachusetts answered more than 6,500 hotline calls and served nearly 12,000 people through its programs in a single year.

What to Expect on Sunday

Early bib pick-up and check-in will be available Saturday, October 3, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at JP’s Restaurant, 200 Whiting Farms Road, Holyoke. On race day, check-in opens at 9:00 AM at the Elks Lodge, a short distance from the starting line. The 5K run and 1.5-mile walk both step off at 10:30 AM along a flat loop course circling the reservoir, and every registered participant receives a long-sleeve dry-fit shirt.

Following the race, the celebration continues on the back lawn with live music from acoustic rock duo CO2, food, refreshments, awards, games, and a raffle. Participants do not need to run or walk to join in — community members, families, and supporters are all welcome.

Some of EFC Sheriff’s Shuffle Participants from the 2024 Event

More Than a Race

Each year, the event brings neighbors together to honor survivors, support families rebuilding their lives, and stand behind the organizations doing the difficult, essential work of keeping people safe. Every registration, sponsorship, and donation helps expand shelter capacity, fund advocacy services, and send an unmistakable message to survivors: you are not alone, and help is available.

How You Can Help

If you cannot join us at the reservoir on Sunday but still want to contribute, donations can be made directly through the event page. Questions about sponsorship or other ways to get involved can be directed to Davis Snow at Davis.Snow@SDH.State.MA.US or (413) 887-7479.

As a firm rooted in this community, we know how much it matters that survivors of domestic violence have somewhere to turn and people willing to stand behind them. We are proud to support Sheriff Cocchi, the YWCA of Western Massachusetts, and everyone taking part — and we hope to see you at the starting line, or on the back lawn, on Sunday, October 4, 2026.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, the YWCA of Western Massachusetts Domestic Violence Shelter Services Hotline at (413) 733-7100 or call the National Hotline at (800) 799-7233.