The Mitchell Thorp organization is holding its 4th annual walkthon “Whole Lot of Hope” on Feb. 2 to raise funds for three people who are battling life-threatening diseases: freshman Rebecca Edgin, 18-year-old Amanda Barvinchak, and three-year-old Dewayne Snerling Jr.
“Well, my opinion on [the funding] is amazement,” Director and co-founder Beth Thorp said. “It’s a wonderful thing to see people come out and support the mission to help children with life-threatening diseases, illnesses and disorders. So the funds that are raised will help make sure these children get the medical care that they need. The funds directly go to the vendors so they pay the hospitals, the doctors, the physical therapists and whatever the child needs for their cares so we’re very grateful for that.”
The organization hopes to reach its overall goal funding of 100 thousand dollars and are close at 92 thousand dollars. Rebecca’s Angels, the group of CHS students who are running for Edgin, just within themselves have raise 14 thousand dollars and gathered 145 members.
“[The marathon] is the same every year, but I’m excited to raise funds for my friend. Rebecca’s team has a 50 thousand dollar goal but right now they’re at 14 thousand,” freshman Lindsay Nipper said. “People should join because it’s one of our students and we really need to support her in her time of need.”
Not only for a worthy cause, the event allows time for members of the community to enjoy great food, games, rewards and music. CHS band will also be performing pop-music like Lady Gaga’s Poker Face to Call Me Maybe during the opening ceremony.
“We can pump up the crowd and show our support through what we do best,” senior Kassandra Bednarski said. “We like getting our name out there and strive to give back to the community that gives support for us when we perform.”
Runners and walkers should also expect amazing food: The Firefighters Association will be out grilling hot dogs, and BJ’s will cater pizza for about 700 people at the end of the event. The event will be packed with approximately 1,000 particpants, the largest number yet since the first walk.
“We’re excited to see the turn-out tomorrow,” Thorp said. “We had about 650 people last year because the rain unfortunately deterred people from showing, but with [Saturday’s weather] being gorgeous, we expect a lot of people. It’ll be a wonderful event.”
With the promise of a worth-while Saturday, runners and walkers still have the opportunity to participate in the event by signing up on the morning of Saturday at Poinsettia Park.
