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Walkers put themselves in others' shoes

By Brady Gillihan
bradyg@heraldt.com
349-1420

April 16, 2007

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A walk to promote awareness of the homeless leaves Third Street Park Sunday afternoon. Monty Howell | Herald-Times
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Team leader Robin Donaldson selects her team’s flag, representing the Youth Services Bureau, as the Homeward Bound walk starts off from Third Street Park Sunday. Monty Howell | Herald-Times
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Hundreds of people joined the fifth annual Homeward Bound 5K Walk through Bloomington Sunday afternoon.

The walk, which started at 2 p.m. from Third Street Park, is part of a statewide fundraising event sponsored locally by the City of Bloomington and IU.

According to co-chairwoman Vickie Provine, the event, at 4 p.m., had drawn more than 500 people and raised just over $50,000 for 13 agencies in Bloomington.

“Our goal this year is $70,000. The figure we have right now isn’t quite there, but that doesn’t mean we won’t make our goal.”

Provine said last year that contributions continued to filter in for more than a month after the walk.

She said 100 percent of the funds raised are used by local agencies that provide shelter, food and emergency care for people experiencing homelessness in Monroe County.

According to the Web site www.bloomington.in.us/~scan, at least 200 people in Bloomington are staying in homeless shelters any given day.

One of the walkers, Steve Hanson, said the walk was more than a fundraiser.

“I’ve almost been there,” Hanson said. “Six or seven years ago, I was a single dad with no education. I had to live off benefits for a while. Now that I’ve acquired an education, I can give something back.”

Hanson was on a team of about 45 participants from Ivy Tech Community College. He said the team was made up of faculty, staff and students.

“We walked last year,” Hanson said. “I think this is what our school is all about. Helping people get where they need and want to be.”

Along the walk were stationed various bands and musicians and one sidewalk chalk artist.

At the park, where the walk finished, Bloomington rocker Jenn Cristy and her band entertained volunteers and walkers. Bagels, fruit and drinks were offered to any and all.

The Youth Services Bureau raised the most at the event — $10,500. Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard raised $6,166.63, and the agency with the third-highest sponsor amount was Stepping Stones with $5,195.94.