Previous Story
‘Make-A-Difference Day’ walk set on Saturday
|
Posted on Oct 19 2006
The Saipan Mayor’s Office said that this Saturday, Oct. 21, will be “Make-A-Difference Day.” It will start off with a fundraising walkathon, to which all residents of Saipan are invited.
The walkathon will start at 7am at the Minatchom Atdao pavilion and will go north toward the Quartermaster Road.
Registration will start as early as 5:30am. Shirts will be given away to registrants that pledge at least $10 during the event. The event is in collaboration with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Points of Light Foundation, and the USA Weekend.
Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela said these groups have been setting aside one Saturday in October each year to remember those who give of their time for a good cause to help those in need, and help shape the lives of others.
Proceeds from the event will go to the Center for Independent Living Group, according to Tudela.
“Please help us raise whatever we may be able to collect from pledges and donations for our brothers and sisters who are consumers in the Center for Independent Living Group. Please let us show our love and care,” he said.
CILG executive director Lydia Igitol said her group is ecstatic about the generosity of the mayor’s office. She said that money raised during the walkathon would be used to help renovate the group’s office on Capital Hill.
John Demapan, a resident who has been living with disabilities, said he is hoping to recognize those people who have made an impact for people living with disabilities in the CNMI. He stressed that anyone in the community could make a difference in anyone’s life, “Whether through small or big contributions, it is something,” he added.
Through the Make-A-Difference Day, millions of self-sacrificing individuals have in the past touched and enhanced the lives of millions by giving alms to the poor, the needy, the disabled, the hopeless, and victims of injustice.
Tudela said for the last five years, his office has been collaborating with the [I][B]USA Weekend[/B][/I] magazine and its affiliate newspapers, and the Point of Light Foundation to promote the annually observed national day that celebrates and strengthens the spirit of volunteer service throughout the nation.
