Spirits were high despite the gray skies at this year’s Walk-a-thon—so high that two teams, Queendom and Team Bud, tied for the Golden Sneaker Award for Most Spirit. 

Members of the Queendom Team, led by the teen girls in the Sisters of Strength program at Family Matters, sported tiaras in honor of the crown that is their symbol.  Up at the crack of dawn, they had posted inspirational signs and made chalk drawings along the five-mile route to keep people motivated. The Walk was the perfect culmination of the second year of their FEEL (Food and Exercise to Eat and Live) Fit initiative. The young women are ambassadors for the power of healthy choices in food and physical activity—educating their families, friends and other students, including the Kindergartners at Gale Academy.

Team Bud was led by 19-year-old Thomas “Bud” Sanders, who has participated in Family Matters programs for over ten years. Team members wore buttons with the slogan “Bud Up” and a photo of Bud giving a “thumbs-up” sign.  Bud is on the Family Matters Board of Directors and got an assist with his team building efforts from fellow board member Mike Glasser, who had a hand in forming four different Walk-a-thon teams.

Along with the many teen walkers, all ages were represented on the Walk. Infants rode in strollers and toddlers got the occasional piggyback ride. Don Brown, one of our stalwarts at 88 years of age, has participated in almost all of the 22 Walk-a-thons. His spirit and commitment continue to inspire us. Don’s congregation, North Shore Baptist Church, fielded a team of over two dozen people and won the award for Most Youth Walkers.  Other award winners were Leaping Learners (Community Tutoring team) for Most Members and St. Luke’s for Most Money Raised. A special award was presented to North Shore Baptist Church in memory of John Dawson for his unmitigated enthusiasm for, and generous support of, the Walk-a-thon for the last two decades of his life.