October 12, 2021
Category: Partnerships

Walking With Purpose: Keep Walking

Walking now so students can walk later…at graduation and into a future of their design.

For the month of October, we have launched an initiative to showcase the strength of our community and the dedication we all have to the success of students in Kalamazoo. We have set our goal of walking 12,000 miles, which represents the number of students we support. Check out last week’s blog if you are looking for ways to support.

This year’s initiative is presented by Ascension Borgess and supported by team captains and walkers throughout the area (and across multiple states). We now have a full week behind us and excited to push forward in the weeks to come. A total of 2,939 miles have been walked and $8,791 funds raised. The Kalamazoo community continuously steps up for student success.

Ascension Borgess is proud to partner with Communities In Schools (CIS) of Kalamazoo in support of students and good health. CIS’s “whole child” approach – which goes beyond academics to also include behavioral, physical and mental health, food security, and much more – is in direct alignment with Ascension Borgess’s holistic approach to care. By encouraging healthy participant behaviors, as well as generating funding for student programs promoting good health, Walking With Purpose reinforces our Mission of improving the health of individuals and communities. Our best wishes to all walkers as you embark on this exciting 12,000-mile journey!”

Peter U. Bergmann, President, Ascension Borgess
CIS team members, Felicia, Jenna, Kim, and Nicole at the Walking With Purpose open walk

Last week, as part of the month-long initiative, we hosted an open walk for individuals who wanted to get together and support Walking With Purpose but couldn’t commit to the full month. The rain was worrisome as the clouds surrounded the area, but we were excited the rain stayed away for just enough time. Thank you to the Stewards of Kleinstuck and YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo for your help in securing access to the Kleinstuck Nature Preserve for our open walk.

Looking forward to next week, we are excited to share a bit more about our team captains and what fuels their miles. In the meantime, enjoy a few photos from our first full week of walking!

Best scenic selfie winner, Lindsey and her family hiking in California!
Jim and Shirley on the trails while walking with purpose.
Will and Jill walking with purpose last week!
Savannah and her furry family member, Sunny walking with purpose!

Thank you for supporting and walking with purpose! Thank you to our sponsors, Ascension Borgess, CWS Financial Advisors, Old National Bank, and OnStaff USA for making this event happen!

Tags: , , , , , , ,