Gretchen Hoffman
GLENDALE -- A year ago, 212 walkers in a 5K benefit walk raised more
than $21,000 to fight hunger locally and around the world.
This year, organizers are aiming for 300 participants and $25,000 in
the seventh annual Glendale CROP Walk.
The walk, which kicks off at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, is one of 2,000 taking
place across the country this year, organizers said.
It's a day when the community comes together to make a difference both
locally and across the country, said Evy Horigan, one of the organizers
of the event.
"It's a really happy atmosphere," she said. "There's a lot of color, a
lot of balloons. People want to do something to help. They want to do
something to show their solidarity with people that are hungry."
One-fourth of the total raised will go toward hunger-fighting
initiatives of five local organizations: Catholic Charities' Loaves and
Fishes, Food for Body and Soul, Glendale Adventist Medical Center's
Community Services food pantry, Glendale Community College's Food for
Thought and the Salvation Army's food programs.
The remaining 75% of the funds will be given to the national Church
World Service CROP office in Indiana. The money is mostly used for
food-related efforts related to natural or international disasters,
Horigan said.
The CROP Walk is primarily about hunger, but funds go toward a variety
of programs, including career training so people can make enough money to
buy food, Horigan said.
KTLA reporter Patricia Del Rio will host the event's opening ceremony,
which will also feature Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Glendale) and Glendale Mayor
Gus Gomez. A barbecue lunch served by Food for Body and Soul will cap off
the event at North Glendale United Methodist Church, which is at Pacific
Avenue and Little Glenoaks Boulevard.
Participants can pick up sponsor envelopes at several local churches,
including Central Christian Church, First Baptist, First Congregational
and La Crescenta Presbyterian.
Walkers can also sign up the day of the event. There is no minimum
donation, but organizers ask that the walker donate whatever he or she
can afford, Horigan said.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Annual Glendale CROP Walk.
WHEN: 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
WHERE: Start at Incarnation Catholic Church, 1001 Brand Blvd.
INFO: 242-4169.
