Advocacy in Action: Walk for Independence 2004

On July 17, 2004, Mountain State Centers for Independent Living held its first annual Walk for Independence. The walk was coordinated by the Foundation for Independent Living, the fund raising arm of Mountain State Centers. Mountain State board members and staff were responsible for securing sponsors and donors for this first walk to cover walk expenses. This inaugural walk will become an annual disability awareness and fund raising event for the centers.

While an early morning rain scared off some of the walkers, the rain cleared away, allowing those who braved the weather to walk. The walkers carried a banner that read "Walk for Independence" donated by Eagle Distributing.

Fruit, pastries, pop and water were donated by Kroger, Food Fair, and Target. All printing for the walk was donated by the Big Eagle. Financial sponsors that helped with other expenses were Health South Rehabilitation Hospital, First Sentry Bank, Strike Zone Bowling Center, Implement, Home Care Medical, and Trippett's Dandi Mart.

Thanks to all of our generous sponsors and donors, all the walk expenses were covered, and we even made a small profit. Proceeds will be used towards the building fund to create office space for staff.

Plans for next year's walk are already under way. July 26, 2005, will be the 15th anniversary of the signing of the American's with Disabilities Act. The second annual "Walk for Independence" will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2005, to celebrate this anniversary. The late Ron Yost, former staff member at the center in Huntington, always said that July 26th was truly his independence day. His picture will be featured on the 2nd walk's t-shirt to honor his commitment to the disability movement and to celebrate the independence day of signing the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you are interested in being a donor, sponor or participant in next year's walk, contact Cathy Hutchinson in the Huntington office at 304-525-3324 or email her at chutchinson@mtstcil.org.