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Hunger Walk set for Saturday

By Rob Tolleson, Published: September 12, 2014

The phrase, "And a child shall lead them," will never seem more appropriate than at this year's Hunger Walk. At the head of the walk will be this year's honoree, 6-year-old Janielynn Fowler.

Fowler, a first-grader at Edneyville Elementary School, was the subject of story in the Hendersonville Times-News in June about her birthday wish for food — not for herself but for the hungry.
"Her compassionate, sacrificial wish resulted in an outpouring of love and food from her friends, and shown a spotlight on the daily struggle for food faced by so many needy folks in our community," says Dick Ranges, finance secretary of the Henderson County Hunger Coalition.
"I was so impressed by this 6-year-old's compassion and drive to help others," says Ranges. Ranges spoke with Janielynn's mother, Linda Pryor, and told her they would like to honor Janielynn at this year's walk.
"She was enthusiastic and indicated Janielynn would be very pleased to take part. It is evident that Janielynn's family fully supports her growing humanitarian outreach," Ranges says.
According to Ranges, Fowler has already shown interest in helping with the Manna Backpacks program at her school and has put together small packages of toiletry items to carry in the car for folks they might see in need. She also helps gather excess produce in her family's apple orchards every year for the hungry.
"This young lady has already learned and embraced a wonderful lesson in compassion, empathy and love," Ranges says.
This year marks the 32rd annual Hunger Walk, sponsored by the Henderson County Hunger Coalition, an all-volunteer board made up of representatives from 10 local churches and synagogue. The walk begins at Shelter #1 in Jackson Park at 8:30 am on Saturday, Sept. 13.
Last year's Hunger Walk raised nearly $90,000, which was distributed among eleven local agencies – Blue Ridge Health Center, Council On Aging, Fishes & Loaves, Hendersonville Rescue Mission, Interfaith Assistance Ministries, Mainstay, Manna Food Bank, Storehouse, The Salvation Army, Western Carolina Community Action, and Calvary Episcopal Food Pantry. This year's goal is $100,000, according to Ranges.
Walkers can choose 2-mile, 5-mile and 10-mile loops. Refreshments will be served after the walk, donated by local businesses. Walkers can pick up registration packets in advance at Mud Creek Baptist Church or register at Jackson Park at 8 a.m. on the day of the walk. For more information, email Pat Fisher at lefpfisher@yahoo.com or call 828-693-4940.

 

32nd annual Hunger Walk
8:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13
Jackson Park Shelter 1
Register in advance at Mud Creek Baptist Church or on the day of the walk at Jackson Park.