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MuncieMission's
Walk a Mile in my Shoes
Raises Record Funds
A record number of walkers attended last Saturday's 4th annual Walk a Mile in my Shoes fundraising and awareness walk.
The 40 degree, sunny day, certainly helped attendance, which was double last year's attendance. In 2007, there were 484 walkers, this year there was 1,000.
Muncie Mission would like to express it's gratitude to all of the volunteers, companies, churches, and individuals that participated in the 4th Annual Walk a Mile in my Shoes event held on February 9th.
"Day after day, week after week, people who are in desperate need or homeless don't get to pick and choose the weather conditions that they must endure. Exposure to the elements for an extended time can be damaging and deadly. The walk is designed to raise awareness about those harsh conditions that people right here in our own community must endure everyday just to exist," said Raines.
"We were overwhelmed with the response from the community this year", said Ray Raines, Executive Director of Muncie Mission. "A record $56,000 was raised, which is double last year's proceeds. Last year's proceeds were designated to help purchase beds and dormitory furniture for the new 92-bed homeless shelter slated to open in early summer this year. "Funds raised this year are designated for purchasing kitchen equipment," Raines said.
New this year, two traveling team awards called "Golden Sneaker" awards. They were designed to encourage friendly team competition, bring people together for a common cause and encourage team donations. The "Top Attendance Team" award was presented to First Church of God ECI, the day of the walk, they registered 92 walkers. The "Top Fundraising Team" award also went to First Church of God ECI, they raised $6,022.
A certificate of recognition will be given to six teams that raised $1,000 or more. Those teams are: Cowan Elementary, Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority, First Church of God ECI, Northside Church of God, Riverside United Methodist Church, The Jar and Sallie Mae. There may be additional teams that qualify for the certificate after all of the paperwork is finished.
Daily….someone else slips into a category of poverty, desperate and/or homeless, thanks for helping Muncie Mission be part of the solution.
"We are blessed to live in such a giving and caring community," Raines said.
"We couldn't provide all of the services without community help. Thank you again for partnering with Muncie Mission" |