The 2011 Walk Results

"Never doubt that small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead

Another opportunity to THANK each and every person that contributed to another successful Greater Lex. CROP Hunger Walk!! Although we did not reach our $25,000 goal, other inspirational moments blessed approx. 300+ participants that warm, sunny Sunday afternoon.

The 'new' Walk route through one of our city's impoverished areas serviced by God's Pantry definitely was experiential for many of the Walkers. I visited with some of the residents a couple weeks prior to our Walk, not only to deliver 'Ending Hunger One Step at a Time' posters, but to invite them to join us. It was heartwarming to witness many neighbors greet us from their porches, small front yards, or standing on the sidewalk or street. Communal indeed when a few of our sisters and brothers walked with us!

The responsive CROP Hunger Walk Litany participants read just before Walking reminded us of our mission ...... "may you be mindful for all those who have no choice but to walk for food, for water, for firewood, for safety" (From Bread of Tomorrow: Praying with the World's Poor)

TO date, we have raised $21,748!! ..... $160.00 more than last year. BUT!! I'm personally hopeful that our Walk will receive on-line THANKSGIVING and CHRISTMAS gifts. I've requested this from my family, how about each one of you??

AMAZING NEWS!! 25% of the total amount was raised by just ONE, truly dedicated church---Woodland Christian! Many Thanks to David Lee, lead recruiter!! Congrats also to Beaumont Presbyterian, Crestwood Christian, Newman Center/Holy Spirit, Providence Christian-Nicholasville and First Christian Church-Winchester for exceeding their last year's total.

Kudos also to Stacey Stone, Unitarian Universalist Church, for successfully coordinating the experiential educational stations presented by God's Pantry, Woodland Christian, 1st Christian (Winchester), 2nd Presbyterian, and two stations from UUC.

It was also meaningful to see more Walkers this year carry creative signs depicting hunger, poverty, fair trade, clean water issues.

Do know that I will contact each one of you again early next summer :) In the meantime continue to support Church World Service and God's Pantry and begin recruiting other churches and organizations in your communities and neighborhoods to join us next year. I will gladly follow-up once you 'tag' them :)

Mark your calendars now!!
    SEPTEMBER 30th, 2012 ---- WALK
    AUG. 21st or AUG. 23rd ---- RECRUITER'S RALLY
(CWS Regional Director, John Dolon already invited to join us.)

Thanks Again!
Joyful Thanksgiving Blessings to Each one of You and Your Family,
    Judy Ellis

Called to Walk - 2011

We are called to Walk in solidarity with ALL our brothers and sisters suffering with hunger and poverty....and YES, WE HEAR!

Once again, my team and I send this open invitation to all concerned citizens to WALK with your neighbors on SUNDAY, SEPT. 25th.
We will gather at Second Presbyterian Church (corner E. Main/Ransom Sts.) at 3:00 PM to register (no fee). The 3 mile EXPERIENTIAL Walk includes the historic East End, Constitution, MLK and E. Maxwell districts starts at 3:30PM.

"Ending Hunger One Step at a Time" T-shirts will sold for $10.00. The profits also benefit God's Pantry and Church World Service.

We will share a responsive CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) litany just before we walk together. Bring a can of food for God's Pantry, a water bottle to be refilled at the half-way point water station, and BRING at least one FRIEND! More info. listed in my Aug. blog entry below :)

Copies of the Walk route will be available upon your arrival. I do ask that everyone CROSS AT THE MARKED INTERSECTIONS. NO JAYWALKING. Volunteer crossing guards will be located at the busy intersections to assist with your safe crossing. I will also ask Metro Police to assist at the E. Main/Vine St. crossing. You will also see them 'drive-by.'

NO roller skates, bicycles, scooters, skate boards will be allowed. Of course, wagons, strollers and wheelchairs are OK :)

I am looking forward to meeting and Walking (rain or shine:) with all of you SUN. 25th.

With Gratitude to each one of you for caring to make a difference,
Judy E. - Greater Lex. CROP Hunger Walk coordinator

The 2011 Route:

View CROP Walk Route 2011 in a larger map

23rd Annual Walk - Plans for Sept. 25, 2011

The 23rd annual Greater Lexington CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) Hunger Walk launched the 2011 mission with a very successful Recruiter's Rally August 16th. To date, we have 24 area interfaith churches committed and we are hopeful that 6 more will 'come on board' within the next 2 weeks, to help with "Ending Hunger One Step at a Time."

Registration will begin 3:00 PM, SUNDAY, SEPT. 25th at 2nd Presbyterian Church and the 3 mile experiential Walk (once again, this year 2nd's bus will drive the route for those physically unable to walk) will commence at 3:30 PM.

New and repeat 'happenings' this year are:

1. Revised 3 mile route includes the East End area of Lex.


2. All Walkers are asked to bring one can of non-perishable food for God's Pantry. Protein items are needed, eg. peanut butter, tuna, chicken, etc. 25% all funds raised are donated to God's Pantry. 75% to Church World Service to help eradicate worldwide hunger and poverty and to promote peace and justice. Our final 2010 donation was $21,594....the best ever!! Please read more about CWS at www.churchworldservice.org. The Walk is just one of their many programs.


3. We are 'GREENING' the walk this year by refilling personal water containers from gallon jugs at the water stop. PLEASE bring your own bottle.


4. A designated area in the parking lot will be available for group pictures.


5. T-shirts will be available for $10.00 and $12.00 Walk Day.


6. There will be a responsive CROP Hunger Walk Litany before we take the 'First Step.'

Our local mission is to bring ALL people together around the common concern that hunger and poverty are MORAL ISSUES. For us material abundance and safety come with the responsibility toward those who are the most vulnerable. It is alarming to read the staggering stats re: worldwide and LOCAL hunger issues!! Do take 10 minutes to also access http://godspantry.org/press-room/hunger-reports and read the 2010 Hunger Report.

It is not too late to join your neighbors as we walk together to take a stand against hunger. To find out how to get your church, organization, club, school involved or how to 'just sign-up yourself', PLEASE contact me!!

You can even participate TODAY by going on-line to donate at www.cropwalkonline.org

"We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of the missing drop."
-- Mother Teresa

Blessings,
Judy Ellis, Coordinator Greater Lex. CROP Hunger Walk
jke659@gmail.com
299-4529 or cell 859 699 9454