First Annual “Walk for the Way” Raises Awareness and Funds
On Saturday, September 30, 2006, the United Way of Collier County held its first annual “Walk for the Way” at North Collier Regional Park.
The purpose of the Walk was twofold: to raise awareness within the Collier County community about the United Way and the 30 human service agencies it helps support,; and, to raise money towards this year’s Campaign goal of $2.5 million. Walk organizers succeeded on both fronts, beyond expectations for the event’s first year.
More than 900 people total participated in the Walk, representing 52 agency, corporate and family teams. Every age group from infants to seniors were represented, with many families participating. The weather was “picture perfect” for the Walkers who completed the two-mile course around the lake at the beautiful new park facility.
All 30 United Way agencies were represented at booths in the “Agency Village” and had staff and volunteers on hand to answer questions and tell people about the great work they do for Collier County’s residents. Every year, more than 100,000 Collier County citizens are helped by one or more United Way agency.
Teams had been formed earlier in the year, and each Team set a goal for itself for how much they would raise for United Way. Working together, Teams held fund raising events such as garage sales, bake sales and car washes. The Allen Systems Group (ASG) Team created an “International Flavors” cookbook, filled with recipes submitted by employees from every one of ASG’s offices around the world, and sold it to raise money.
The final amount raised by all participating Teams was over $57,000 – more than the Walk organizers had hoped for.
The day was filled with fun and friendship, and those who walked came away with a better understanding of both the need that exists right here at home, and the great services that United Way agencies provide to help those in need.
Without the help of this year’s sponsors, the Walk would not have been such a huge success. Sponsors include:
PARTNERING SPONSOR: Collier County Parks & Recreation
PRESENTING SPONSOR: Publix Super Markets Charities
MAJOR SPONSORS: Allen Systems Group (ASG), Cohen & Grigsby, Fifth Third Bank, McDonalds, RWA Consulting, Royal Palm Bank, and T-Shirt Express.
MEDIA SPONSORS: Florida Weddings and Events Magazine, Gulfshore Life, North Naples Journal, Renda Broadcasting, and Media Vista Multimedia.
Photos
