Red Cross upbeat for tomorrow’s walkathon

The American Red Cross-NMI Chapter is expecting better participation among public school students for their annual walkathon this year following the “great support” they received from the Public School System.

Executive director John Hirsh said yesterday that in previous walkathons, they had to deal with fundraising concerns among public schools after PSS brought to a halt all school-organized fundraisers in and outside campuses.

“We’ve straightened that out,” Hirsh told Saipan Tribune. “We’re hoping that we’re going to see participation from all 30 public and private schools and we’re hoping to have close to 2,000 people attend the event.”

This year marks the 26th year of the annual walkathon, which will be held tomorrow. A $15 donation entitles each walker or runner a T-shirt and a free sandwich.

Registration will begin at 6am for the walk, which starts from the 4-H Building in Susupe to the Garapan Fishing Base and back. Hirsh said there will be five aid stations providing refreshments such as sliced fruits and drinks. Simultaneous walks will also be held on Tinian and Rota.

Saturday’s event will also feature lots of activities, including a health fair by the Division of Public Health, cooking demonstration from the Northern Marianas College-Cooperative Research Extension and Education Services, a petting zoo, carnival games, face painting, and a big truck show from the Department of Public Safety.

The success of tomorrow’s event boils down to Red Cross’ partnership with the community, said Hirsh. “We’re hoping that the community will turn out and support the Red Cross and our humanitarian mission. In turn, Red Cross is going to provide a wonderful event where families can get together and have a lot of healthy activities.”

Hirsh said pledge forms and donations are looking good this year, with several schools having already turned in their proceeds “but usually, everyone turns it in either [today] or Saturday.”

This year, Hirsh said they got the support of large companies and organizations on island. Premier sponsors are Coca-Cola, Foremost, Subway, Glimpses Advertising, and Scoops. Other sponsors are Joeten Enterprises, Tan Siu Lin Foundation, Bank of Guam, Bank of Hawaii, and First Hawaiian Bank.

Hirsh noted that Pacific Islands Club Saipan and Saipan World Resort were generous with the waterpark passes they provided. These passes are among the prizes to be given to walkers who raise $75 on their pledge forms.

Hirsh encouraged the community to take part in the walkathon and support the humanitarian mission of the Red Cross. “It’s a very safe walk because it will be in the pathway. You don’t have to worry so much about any cars or getting hurt,” he added.

For more information, call 234-3459.