Hello Team Captains & Other Volunteers,

 

 

Thanks to all who participated in today's 40th Annual CROP Hunger Walk.  It will take at least a month before we have final totals from the walk.  There was a flurry of online activity last night (after I got the report from Church World Service) and people can continue to make donations for at least another month.  Plus several teams still have outstanding envelopes or checks from their church to turn in. Note that Dori (walk treasurer) is having her 2nd eye surgery on Monday so it will likely be October before we can provide an update.

 

As of 11:00 am on Friday, Church World service reported that our walk had received $5,006.32 in online donations, plus $60 in mailed in donations, for a total of $5,066.32.  I don’t believe the money from the Facebook Fundraisers that three people did was included in that report, but it will be eventually.  At today’s walk, $5,913.86 in cash & checks was turned in. So our verified preliminary total as of today is $10,980.18. Our preliminary total on walk day last year was $11,986.

 

• For the first time, we walked at 10:00 am instead of our usual 1:00 pm. There was a slight drizzle, but it didn’t dampen anybody’s spirits. I just looked at last year’s walk day report and we had 10 more walkers than last year!

• Over 50 people from 13 GCIC faith communities and 2 dogs walked the 2 ½ route today. This number also included two ”North Sandwich Friends.” Another 10 people helped to count the money, manage the water & apple stop, and organize the refreshments for returning walkers.

• Thanks to LDS for hosting and providing yummy cider donuts before the walk, and to the bakers and cooks who provided food for lunch.

• Seven of the 14 programs that received checks from our 2023 walk provided posters about their programs to display at the walk:  Hilda’s Food Pantry at Boscawen Congregational Church, Blue Duke Community Care Closet at Rundlett Middle School, Christ the King Food Pantry, Family Promise, Grace Episcopal Take a Tote Program, Suncook Community Action & West Congregational.  And Rik Yeames had a display in recognition of the International Day of Peace today.

• 18 walkers who raised $100 or more, either by using a CROP envelope to collect cash & check donations, by registering online to collect donations, or a combination of the two, received $10 gift cards to either Domino’s Pizza, Constantly Pizza, or Sal’s Pizza. The cost of the cards was shared by these businesses and the Interfaith Council.

• I was pleased that so many people stuck around after the walk for fellowship and refreshments, and to look at the displays. And to receive the gift cards!

• We did not have an official photographer but lots of people took pictures that I’m looking forward to seeing.  If you post walk pictures on Facebook, please tag the Greater Concord Interfaith Council. When I resolve my access issues in October I will gather pictures and post on the GCIC website.

• Once again, our top individual fundraiser was Cy Sherman from South Congregational, who raised over $5,000, and South Church was the top fundraising team.  I can’t confirm the 2nd & 3rd place teams until we get an updated online report from CWS and all the outstanding cash & checks are turned in to Dori.  So stay tuned!

 

Thanks again to all of you for your part in pulling off a very successful CROP Walk. The money we raised will make a difference, helping to combat hunger, poverty, displacement, and disaster, around the world and in our own backyard.

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Chris Paull

Greater Concord Interfaith Council President, 2024/2025  

Coordinator of the 2024 Concord, NH CROP Hunger Walk

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