Celebrating 25 Years!

It's hard to believe the 25th Annual Majestic Steel Walk for Hunger was 10 days ago - but, what a wonderful day it was! Last Saturday, although a tad chilly, we gathered to celebrate this anniversary and continue the tradition of walking to raise funds and awareness for the hungry in our community. 

It was a jam-packed morning full of fun as we welcomed all walkers with breakfast provided by Earthfare and Marc’s and entertainment from the St. Ignatius Circus Company and Cleveland Gladiators Goddesses. Our annual Kick-Off Ceremony was lead by 19 Action News Ed Gallek and Jason Handman.  They had a lil’ help from the Cleveland Cavaliers Moondog and Sir CC. Sir CC has already posted pictures from the event at http://www.flickr.com/photos/cavs_sircc/sets/72157633495494374/. [More photos to come in the next week!]

During the Kick-Off Ceremony we were honored with a proclamation from Mayor Frank Jackson’s Office announcing May 11, 2013 “WALK FOR HUNGER DAY” throughout the City of Cleveland. It was such a privilege to have Karen Butler, Director of Public Health, there to present the proclamation to our Executive Director/CEO, Dana Irribarren.

Dana then presented the Legends Awards to 25 very special honorees from the 24-year history of the Walk for Hunger. The Legends were chosen because of their hard work and strong commitment and dedication over the years... helping feed our communities most vulnerable citizens.

*We have 3 wonderfully supported companies who were among the first sponsors and continue to support the event today: Dominion East Ohio, The Plain Dealer and Baker Hostetler.

*We honored past and present Team Captains, as it is such an important role in the success of the Walk for Hunger each year: Fred Schulze of the Thrivent Team, Hank Doll of the Fairmount Presbyterian Church Team, Mary Levtzow of the Lutheran Team, Ogie White of the Presbytery Team and the late Ingrid Matz of the Mayfield United Methodist Team.

*We also awarded walkers and volunteers that have helped build the event to what it is today: Jerry Hoegner, Bob Long, Jeannette Throne, Dee Whitzler, Nancy Wheaten, Diane Zellmer, Mr. Hero, Marc's, Orlando Baking Company, Burt Saltzman, Dave's  Supermarkets, and the late, Grace Blum.

             *And finally, we wouldn’t be able to draw the vibrant crowd that we do without our amazing Media Sponsors: Emily Davis, WUAB-43 & WOIO-19, WMJI Majic 105.7, Ed Gallek & Jeff Tanchak

After warming up with the ladies of Jazzercise we were off on a venture throughout Downtown Cleveland! It was a 3 mile walk and walkers were able to see all of the exciting additions to our city. We ended at Voinovich Park on the East 9th Street Pier for a 25th Birthday Celebration. As walkers crossed the Finish Line, we were greeted by the CSU Cheerleaders and Rudi, the official mascot for the Cleveland Gladiators.

We enjoyed lunch from Mr. Hero and celebrated with an awesome popcorn Birthday Cake from Campbell’s Sweets Factory. We danced to music from Majic 105.7 and they even brought their prize wheel for folks to win cool stuff! There was a tent for crafting donated by PatCatan’s and the Red Bull Wings Team was passing out free samples. It was such a fun afternoon and all came to an end way too quickly. 

By the end of the month we will have the opportunity to announce the total money raised – donations are still coming in to the office and we welcome them! At this time, we will also announce all of the winners! Teams have the opportunity to win $200 gift cards to Petitti Garden Center and individual walkers that raised of a minimum of $250 for the Hunger Network qualify for a raffle with some pretty stellar prizes from Legacy Village, Liquid Planet, Mitchell’s Ice Cream and more!

We are so grateful for all of our walkers and volunteers! We cannot thank our Walk Committee enough for all of their hard work preparing for this day over the past year – especially the Committee Chair, Chris Szuch and our Honorary Chair, Jonathan Leebow of Majestic Steel USA.

The event would not have been possible without our sponsors:
Title Sponsor: Majestic Steel USA
Platinum Sponsors: Baker Hostetler, Conway Family Foundation, Dominion, Marc’s
Diamond Sponsor: University Hospitals       
Gold Sponsors: Dave’s Supermarket, Third Federal Bank, Wells Fargo
Bronze Sponsors: Lutheran Urban Community Ministry, AK Steel Foundation, Jay Auto Group
Media Sponsors: CBS 19 and MY 43, WMJI Majic 105.7, Cleveland Magazine, the Plain Dealer
Prize Sponsors: Petitti Garden Centers, Panera, Liquid Planet, Legacy Village
Meal Sponsors: Mr. Hero, Earthfare, Marc’s, Nestle Waters, New World Ideas and Inventions, TLC Spring Water, Campbell’s Sweets Factory

 






We cannot wait for the 26th Annual Walk for Hunger- mark your calendars now for
 Saturday May 10th, 2014!