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Walk and Roll-A-Thon Brings People Together

Walk and Roll-A-Thon Brings People Together
A Morning of Fun, Fellowship, and Fundraising

It was a cool and cloudy morning on April 16th. However, that didn’t stop approximately 40 people, and one Chihuahua named Winky, from participating in the Walk and Roll-a-Thon in Southeast Ohio.

The Walk and Roll-a-Thon first took place in 2010 after Mark Hutchinson, Regional Director for Echoing Hills of Southeast and Central Ohio, had the idea. Mark wanted to create an event that would provide physical activity and a chance to raise money while also joining individuals from Echoing Hills of Southeast Ohio with members of the greater community. Unfortunately, the event has been canceled for the last two years due to COVID.

“It was nice to get back out for a walk that earned money for worthy causes,” shares Mark. “I was fortunate to walk with one of the individuals we serve who talks very little. But, because of our time together, we enjoyed hearing the birds singing and the views of the ponds and rivers and she commented on what a beautiful day it was.”

David, an individual served through Echoing Hills, was excited to get back out too. “I enjoyed getting out and getting our picture on the bridge with the water behind us.”

This year, Echoing Hills of Southeast Ohio partnered with the Athens Ohio Rotary Club. Mark, a member of Rotary, had the idea to collaborate after learning that both organizations were working on a fundraiser.

Rachel Ulbrich, Director of Adult Services for Echoing Connections of Southeast Ohio, was excited as the partnership provided an opportunity for greater community awareness. “I enjoyed getting together in person for this event! Working with the Athens Rotary Club, I was able to give tours of our building, which I love. It is always cool to see the expressions of first-time guests as they see our Honey for the Heart puppets.”

In total, the Walk and Roll-a-Thon raised $3,889. Echoing Hills of Southeast Ohio plans to use proceeds to support efforts to provide opportunities for community integration and participation in activities around the community for those they serve. The Athens Rotary Club will use funds for The Ecuador Water Project. So, the project will help with irrigation, allowing farming to occur the whole year and not just during the rainy season. It will also provide women the opportunity to earn an income and grow food for their families.

After the event, Steve O’Neill, master chef and Program Director for Echoing Hills of Southeast Ohio, treated participants to grilled hot dogs. There were even vegan hot dogs for those vegetarians in the group.

“I did not hear one complaint about Steve’s grilling,” says Mark. “Even Winky approved!”

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On behalf of Echoing Hills of Southeast Ohio and the Athens Ohio Rotary Club, thank you to those who made the 2022 Walk and Roll-a-Thon a big success. We are grateful to those who participated and those individuals that pledged money to our participants.

Because of the amazing generosity, we would also like to extend our gratitude to our event sponsors!

PLATINUM
Mark Porter

SILVER
Deddens Development, LTD.
Hoon Inc.
McDonalds of Athens County

BRONZE
Ace Helpful Place
Allen Pet Clinic, LTD.
Becky’s Tantique
Childers Accounting, PLLC
Conrath Family Dental Care
e-Merge Real Estate, Mark Hutchinson
Hutchinson Auction
Mathews Insurance, Inc.
The Pigskin Sports Bar & Grille
ZONEZ

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