Walk for Warmth sets high goal for tough times

Tue, Feb 12, 2008

HOLLAND — Organizers say the annual Walk for Warmth is needed more than ever because of the slowing economy and the rising cost of utilities.

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An estimated 300 walkers are expected to brave the winter chill starting at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the Holland Civic Center, 150 W. Eighth St.

The Community Action Agency hopes to more than double last year's efforts by raising $50,000 through the event, which will all go to help needy families pay for utilities.

"We know it's a tough time all around — for families and for business," said Bill Raymond, director of Michigan Works!/Community Action Agency. "What we're learning, however, is that keeping families on their feet before they get too far behind makes great economic sense for the community."

Last year's walk brought in $17,000. As of Monday afternoon, this year's contributions were already at $20,000, according to CAA Marketing Specialist Mike Stock.

"Especially with the mortgage issue trickling down to renters, there are more people in trouble than before," Stock said. "So I set the goal higher to reach all these new groups of people that are calling us."

Walk For Warmth is a public event, which will include refreshments during the 8:30 a.m. registration before the 3-mile stroll around downtown Holland.

Stock said 85 Zeeland High School students and around 25 from Grand Valley State University will be walking. U.S. Rep. Peter Hoekstra, R-Holland; state Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R- Holland; and state Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, are also expected to attend the event.

Stock said 38 businesses from all over the county have sponsored the event, including several from the Tri-Cities area.

"Businesses deserve visibility for helping the community in this way," he said. "We have a strong focus on the needs of the individual, which is the purpose of this particular event. But in this economy, we can't forget about the needs of business either."

West Michigan Academy of Arts and Academics in Ferrysburg had its own walk on Friday, which also raised money to support the Community Action Agency's utilities assistance program.

CAA helps Ottawa County residents with a variety of housing needs, but the money raised by the Walk for Warmth all goes toward utility assistance. The agency was able to spend close to $159,000 helping 989 people pay for utilities in 2007, with an average of around $160 per person.

Individuals and businesses that would like to pledge money for the event can call (616) 393-5615; or send money to the Community Action Agency Walk for Warmth, 12251 James St., suite 300, Holland, MI 49423.

On the Net:

www.miottawa.org/caa