"The Virtual Center for Independent Living for West Virginia""The Virtual Center for Independent Living for West Virginia"Home > Walk for Independence 2006
Foundation for Independent Living and ABLE/CAC sponsored the annual Walk for Independence 2006 on Saturday, July 22, 2006 benefiting Mountain State Centers for Independent Living. The Walk is a two mile trek through Ritter Park in Huntington, WV.
Heavy thunder showers and magnificent lightening displays on Friday evening, cleared out Saturday morning for the 113 walkers. Anne O. Weeks, MTSTCIL President/CEO, welcomed everyone and Vicki Riggs sang the National Anthem.
Vicki Riggs, in photo, was also the Team Captain for The Skillets and the mother of MTSTCIL's own Greta White.
Dakotah Copenhaver, son of a MTSTCIL staff member, dressed as the Shoney Bear to delight and welcome the children to the Walk while Cathy Hutchinson, MTSTCIL Community Resource Advocate, created balloon art animals for the children.
Fruit, pastries, muffins, juice and water were donated by numerous community organizations for our walk participants along with an ice cream treat donated by the Fair Shake Network.
There were three special prizes awared by Anne Weeks, along with a around of applause. The first to the individual walker who raised the most money, going to Mary Harless. The Wind Chimes Team won the prize for the most team members and for being the team that raised the most money.
Teams participating in the Walk included (see team photos):
Anne Weeks recognized each Walk participant and volunteer with a participation certificate and a goodie bag filled with donated treats and toys.
Anne also presented certificates of appreciation to the Walk for Independence Team members for their hard work in planning and coordinating this great event. Team members included: Greta White, board members Patty Dickey and Patty Beymer (photo), Tina Taylor, Sharon Porter, Cindy Hungate and Brenda Goodfellow.
Many thanks to all of our generous sponsors and donors. The proceeds of the Walk will benefit the Community Living Services Program at Mountain State Centers for Independent Living. To learn more about this program please visit: Community Living Services Program.
The Walk was a great success with over 113 walkers participating including our own Senator Evan Jenkins. Senator Jenkins tells us, "The event was very special to me and I very much enjoyed visiting with the many who attended. My two mile hike gave me the opportunity to talk with several participants who helped educate me even more about the critically important issues that need to be addressed. You certainly have my continuing support."
Plans for next year's walk are already underway. Mark your calendar now for the 2007 Walk for Independence - July 21, 2007. If you are interested in being a donor, sponsor or participant, email Brenda Goodfellow in the Sistersville office or call her at 304-652-2116 or toll free 866-687-8245.
