Burien, October 3, 2012 – The morning air was crisp, the skies clear as over 100 folks from all walks of life gathered at Burien Town Square Park on Saturday, September 29 to raise funds – and awareness – for Hospitality House, a shelter for homeless women in our community.
The excitement was palpable as the drumline from Kennedy High School revved up the walkers for the easy two-mile route through downtown Burien, and Barbara Schaad, an instructor at West Seattle YMCA, led the walkers in warm-up exercises. Among the many walkers: Families, kids, the WABI Walk/Bike Community, and well-behaved dogs! Each and every one was putting their foot down for the homeless, a growing population in a hard-pressed economy.
“We’re doing our part, nine women at a time in our small shelter,” stated Hospitality House Executive Director Natalie Reber, “to provide the homeless with a secure and stable life.“ Each year Hospitality House graduates approximately 80 women from a comprehensive 90-day program designed to help residents find employment, improve their life skills and secure a safe, affordable place to call home.
The bottom line for the Walk? $19,500 and still counting.
For more information about Hospitality House, to volunteer or make a secure online donation, visit www.hospitalityhousesouthking.org.
WABI board member and photographer, Maureen Hoffmann, walked and gathered images of the enthusiastic walkers that joined Hospitality House’s 11th Annual Walk for the Women. (©Maureen Hoffmann, www.kunstdame.com 2012)
Kennedy High School Band members added brightness and energy through lively music before the walk began.
Barbara Schaad, an instructor at West Seattle YMCA, led the walkers in warm-up exercises before they took to the streets of Burien.
Clusters of the 100+ walkers were in the final stretch, as they passed under the Burien arch and westward, back toward Town Square.
Longtime Burien resident, Elizabeth Hanks, volunteered as a crossing guard, getting the 100+ walkers safely across the streets.
Hospitality House Executive Director, Natalie Reber, announced raffle winners after the day’s walk.
Volunteer, Joan Huddleston, felt triumphant about the results of the walk.
Walkers applauded as they heard of monies raised by all the participants.
Walkers coalesced into fundraising groups, pulling together for the effort.
