Final 2009 Report

The Greater Lexington CROP Hunger Walk was nearly 4 months ago but eternally optimistic me decided to wait a 'little longer' to enter the final 2009 BLOG with hopes that more donations would be forthcoming and they did! Once again, my team and I are grateful to all the loyal, diligent, motivated recruiters for their successful efforts and outcomes for our 2009 Walk.

We are a little disappointed that our $25,000 goal was not attained but we will once again aim for that goal this year. Many other KY-IN Walks also attribute their lower than usual donations to the recession. Seven churches raised approx. 70% of our total contributions -- $16,519. (Last year, $19,022.) Nearly 375 walkers representing 24 churches, student groups and 'walk-ons' appreciated the warm, sunny afternoon to walk together to take a stand against local and global hunger.

Our 'new' friends this past year were Woodland Christian Church, Lex., Midway Presbyterian Church and an EKU student group. Special recognition to 1st Christian Church, Winchester for increasing their total contributions this year by nearly 230% ! from 2008, Meadowthorpe Presbyterian, Lex. - 106% increase and Chapel Hill Presbyterian, Lex. - 104%. THANK YOU!

Abundant Thanks to my dedicated team, Alice, Suzi, Beth and Ron and all volunteers! Cheers to our creative youth and adults from Crestwood Christian, Unitarian Universalist, Central Christian, 1st Presbyterian and 2nd Presbyterian churches for their interesting educational stations that focused on local/global hunger, poverty, clean water and environmental concerns. My Thanks to our photographers Sonny and Dwight and to Dwight, our BLOG moderator. It is my joy and honor to work with all of you :)

It was fun to share the excitement with many of you when we read the wonderful piece about our Walk in the Lex. Herald Leader the following morning ... pictures too! Hopefully, this will encourage more groups to join us this year. I will let all recruiters know when the April organizational meeting with Rev. Judy Dunson, regional director from Indianapolis, will be held here in Lex, hopefully at 2nd Presbyterian. She will help guide us with developing and implementing 'new' ways to further promote participation in our CROP Hunger Walk. PLEASE consider attending and sharing your ideas. We NEED your help! In the 'works' now is a new route for this year; 'south to UK area' and hopefully more youth stations :)

As faithful servants, may we all continue to support the mission and ministry of CWS (Church World Service) and God's Pantry thru out the year. We are well aware that the needs of our sisters and brothers have drastically increased the past year and especially now with the horrific earthquake in Haiti !!

Looking forward to working with all of you this coming year beginning with the April organizational meeting :) Keep in touch.

Blessings, Joy, Peace and Love,
      Judy Ellis