NATCHEZ — Both women and men eager to bar hop for a good cause — while wearing purple dresses, of course — will get their chance to do so at the first Purple Dress Run in downtown Natchez.

Friday is the last day to preregister for the Oct. 9 event for $25. Prices will increase to $45 until the day of the event.

Modeled after the Red Dress Run in New Orleans — which is really more of a French Quarter bar crawl disguised as a competitive race — the first-ever Purple Dress run will donate 100 percent of its ticket sales to the Guardian Shelter.

Why purple?

Purple is the color associated with domestic violence awareness, and October is domestic violence awareness month, Purple Dress Run Coordinator Rachael Idom said.

Idom said domestic violence is a common problem that does not get talked about enough.

“It’s a much bigger issue than people think it is,” Idom said.

Idom, 23, said she married young and landed in an abusive marriage, which she has since left.

“I had a wake-up call when I almost lost my life,” Idom said.

Idom said she felt lucky to be able to return home and receive the support of her family after leaving a bad situation — but realized less fortunate people may not have a support systems like hers.

The Guardien Shelter provides shelter and a support system for families trying to escape domestic violence, Idom said.

Idom said she decided she wanted to help others in similar situations after coming home and taking a while to deal with the effects of her abusive marriage.

She said the idea for the Purple Dress Run worked well because it would offer a fun event to attract many participants and would raise both funds and awareness for victims of domestic violence.

Idom said the problems of domestic violence victims tend to be emotionally oriented, and victims often deal with manipulative partners.

“It’s not the stereotypical girl who has no sense to get out of it,” Idom said.

“It’s neighbors and friends who don’t talk about it.”

Idom, a nursing student at Alcorn State University, said raising awareness about domestic violence can draw attention to the frequency and widespread effects of the issue, while teaching what signs to look for to address it.

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Eola Hotel. Idom said participates should show up around 3:30 p.m.

Idom said five downtown bars have already signed on and she expects more to join. Each bar will offer drink specials to Purple Dress Run participants.

The discounted $25 price will also be offered Friday, Oct. 8 at Doc Big Love, where the 80s band Glitter Boys will be performing.

Idom said she hopes to have 125 participants for the run. She said nearly half that amount of people have already signed up.

Idom said she expects participants to be in their 20s and 30s, but all ages are more than welcome to participate.

Idom said plans for the fundraiser began to come together in March, and since the Guardian Shelter learned of losing a grant in July — the charity event could not come at better time.

The nonprofit Catholic charity lost a $75,000 Emergency Shelter Grant this summer.

For those who want to support the Guardian Shelter, but forgo the pub crawl, Idom said donations can be made at the Eola Hotel the day of the event or at Doc Big Loves Oct. 8.

She said the shelter also accepts items such as kitchen supplies, clothes and electronics.

Purple dresses can be found anywhere from a thrift shop to the back of a closet, Idom said.

“Get as tacky as you can with it and just have fun.”

Men are strongly encouraged to wear purple dresses, but if some are too shy — Idom said they should wear purple clothes at the very least.