Thank You For Walking
The sun was shining on Eleanor’s Walk for HOPE this past Sunday as hundreds of people gathered to walk for social justice at Oakman Blvd. The event was a celebration of diversity and inclusiveness and we want to thank everyone who walked, volunteered, ran or simply attended our 43rd Annual Walk for HOPE. This event would not have been as successful as it was without the support and time of everyone who came out to Focus: HOPE.
The day began at a new start time as runners and walkers registered for the race at 8:00 am and headed over to the entertainment stage to hear the Focus: HOPE Folk Singers perform the National Anthem. After the song, there was an exciting warm up that was led by Jabs Gym owner, Armond Rashad, who helped get the participants energized for the Walk. As the race took off, the Detroit Police Department escorted our participants the whole way as we walked and ran in a loop through HOPE Village. Once the runners finished their race, we had awards for our 1st – 3rd place winners, both male and female categories, that were announced after everyone had returned. Congratulations to all of the winners.
Throughout the walk, there were booths and informational signs so that participants had the opportunity to learn more about our food, careers and community programs. These signs and booths were able to showcase the work that Focus: HOPE does in the community by pledging practical action to overcome racism and social injustice. Walkers also had the option to participate in a new scavenger hunt where they had to find something beautiful at Focus: HOPE, a place where children can learn and play, and something that indicates hope for the future. The first 200 people to complete the scavenger hunt were able to collect a prize at the end, but they also learned so much more about Focus: HOPE and the campus.
Entertainment for the whole family started after the walk. Mrs. Bubbles painted faces, Royal Princess walked around as Princess Aurora, DJ Reggie Reg from 105.1 The Bounce emceed the entertainment, children played in bounce houses, attendees made arts and crafts and the University of Michigan Fanfare Band played music for us before and even during the race. Overall, it was an exciting day full of fun activities for everyone to participate in.
Meanwhile on stage, Tosha Owens and the Ferndale Middle School Choir performed “Unite Thru Love”. Owens and the Ferndale Choir put on an amazing performance of the song and we are so thankful to have had them there for Eleanor’s Walk for HOPE. You can listen to the song by CLICKING HERE.
During the entertainment, our CEO, Jason D. Lee announced the winner of the Corporate Challenge. Magna Corporation took home the Corporate Cup again, for bringing the most amount of participants to the Walk. Congratulations to Magna for winning the challenge two years in a row!
Thank you again to all of our supporters for coming together to take a stand against social injustice in Detroit. We hope to see you next year for the Walk as Focus: HOPE will be celebrating 50 years in the community!
All photos taken by Trilogy Beats.