5th Annual Bridge Walk: A Great Day for Fun and Fundraising
Beautiful weather and over 1500 participants, plus a record-breaking $240,000 in fundraising, helped to make the 5thAnnual LivingWell Bridge Walk at Fabyan Parkway on May 15th a great success. The 129 teams and supporters gathered early in the morning dressed in a rainbow of t-shirt colors and symbolic attire to celebrate the teams represented, from the feathery finery worn by the Tranquility Flockers, to the many t-shirts with photos of loved ones being honored.
As all the walkers enjoyed coffee and treats, LivingWell Board Chairman Terry Murphy presented a plaque to the Shodeen Family Foundation for their five- year commitment as the Bridge Walk Event Sponsor. After a moment of silence in honor of all LivingWell participants who lost their fight this past year, all the survivors joined for the “Celebration Walk” in honor of their journey and life. In a touching tribute, American Idol celebrity Leslie Hunt sang “We are the Champions” as the survivors walked through a path lined with cheering members of the St. Charles and Geneva Drill Teams and Color Guard.
Seven teams broke LivingWell’s five-year team fundraising records, with the new record being $16,302 raised by “Kathy’s Circle” led by Glenn Harks in memory of his late wife. Other records were broken by St. Charles East High School, with $11,000 raised and Linda’s Lions with $6,875 raised.
Tom Wright, CEO of Delnor Hospital, called the Bridge Walk “the best party ever.” Special Events Coordinator Sue Mielke said, “We are so grateful to the 65 sponsors and in kind donors , and the 60-plus volunteers who planned and helped on Walk day and all the amazing Bridge Walk walkers. They are all our LivingWell angels!”