Red Cross Walkathon still a big crowd drawer year in, year out

They began arriving in pairs or groups as early as 5am, equipped with small towels, caps or sun visors, and water bottles. The minute the sun’s first rays peeked through the clouds, walkers standing in line for the 26th Annual Red Cross Walkathon last Saturday began strolling along Beach Road from 4-H Building in Susupe to Garapan Fishing Base and back.

At least several hundreds of community members of different age groups and nationalities took part in the annual event that aims to raise funds in support of the humanitarian mission of the American Red Cross NMI Chapter.

Saturday’s walkers received a shirt and were entitled to refreshments from Subway and Foremost for a $15 donation to the premier emergency response organization led by volunteers. The walkers had a few stops to their destination, including those manned by volunteers from Bank of Hawaii, Powerade drink, and MDX Club.

At the Garapan Fishing Base where Western Union set up its tent, walkers eagerly lined up for a chance to receive gift items such as fans and shopping bags.

Amid the economic difficulties, the public continues to support the biggest walkathon event of the year. Maria Salinas, who donated $15 without walking, says it’s about doing something for a good cause.

“They do a lot of good things for everybody,” said Salinas. “They help other people. So this donation is just a small thing that we can do to help Red Cross in their mission.”

San Roque resident Connie Lizama, who arrived for the walkathon at 6:30am, agrees. “It was pretty hard to get pledges from family and friends. But each year, we still come out and support the Red Cross Walkathon and have a good time at the event.”

Lizama’s children, 10-year-old Joe Randy Tudela and 5-year-old Roquel Tudela, both attend Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School. Joe Randy, Lizama said, always gets excited every time the school hands out the walkathon form at their school.

“I used to just bring my son here but now that my daughter is of age, we all go together. It’s a great activity for the entire family,” added Lizama.

Gina Manahan, who lives in Fina Sisu, said she’s currently jobless yet still arrived at the venue in time for the 6am walk. Manahan was joined by her daughter Gia Kamille and some of her friends and neighbors.

“You get to have fun and help a good cause at the same time,” she added.

A Garapan resident said this was her second year of bringing along her husband and two children to the event. “I usually miss it because of work but when I can, I participate in the walk. It’s our way of helping Red Cross.”

Walkers were treated to different activities at the registration venue by the 4-H Building. Among them were face painting, a petting zoo, various game booths, and free blood pressure checkup. Information booths were also set up by a number of government agencies and non-profit organizations.

Red Cross NMI executive director John Hirsh said that they owe the great turnout to about 150 volunteers, walkers, the Public School System management and schools, private schools, sponsors and donors.

“We’re just always humbled by the community’s support. Year in and year out, people really value the Red Cross and they value this walkathon…We’re just very grateful for their unwavering support,” said Hirsh.

To promote transparency and accountability, Hirsh said Bank of Guam officials and staff will tally the money raised last Saturday.

Although the funds raised are not earmarked for any specific project, Hirsh noted that a portion of the proceeds will go toward their efforts to develop their youth clubs at different high schools.

“We have four established clubs now and we’re doing a lot more activities around the youth, focusing on what interests them and how they can support the Red Cross,” he said.