Annual CROP Walk in Bethany aims to fight hunger
The Southeast Sussex CROP Hunger Walk in May in Bethany Beach is just one of the more than 2,000 community-wide efforts throughout the nation to help end hunger at home and around the world.
The Sussex walk brings together several area churches to raise funds for the cause. This year, they aim to raise $27,000 to mark the 27th year of the local event.
The CROP walks are sponsored by the Church World Service and organized by local congregations, who keep part of the money raised to serve local communities.
The Southeast Sussex CROP Walk will be held May 7 at the Bethany Beach Bandstand.
Organizers Rose Mary Hendrix and Pete Mauer talk about this year’s event and how you can join in to help.
The CROP Hunger Walk is a nationwide event to end hunger “one step at a time” and is known as the “granddaddy of charity walks,” due to its inception in 1969. When did southeast Sussex County get involved with the walk?
Twenty years later in 1989.
Although it is mainly churches that gather to raise funds for the walk, what if someone does not belong to a church and would like to participate? How would they join and what amount do you recommend for an individual to raise?
They could make a contribution on the website (https://www.crophungerwalk.org/bethanybeachde) or they could sponsor a “walker” from one of the participating churches. They could also call and get an envelope to collect donations on their own. If they belong to a book club, knitting group, service club, neighborhood association, etc., they could get envelopes, raise donations, make a sign representing their group and join the walk. It does not have to be a church group.
From the perspective of returning walkers, how would they describe this event and its overall mood/atmosphere?
Generally, participants learn about each other and welcome seeing old acquaintances. One of the best things about the walk is people from all over southeast Sussex getting together; it brings a real feeling of what we would like for the world. We gather in a circle and pray for the world and our hopes and dreams for what our walk can help accomplish. That is the part of the day that seems most meaningful.
Who holds the record for most repeat walks for this event, and what does it mean to them to continue doing this each year?
Although the record is unknown, one of the walkers, Bob Doherty, has been walking for at least 11 years and has led the walk for his church, Ocean View Presbyterian, and they say his enthusiasm for the walk has kept them motivated each year to raise even more than the year before. Bob makes you believe you can make a difference.
How would you encourage a newcomer to be part of this charitable event?
When you see all the good that is accomplished by CWS (Church World Service), you will want to be a part of it. Definitely find someone who has walked and talk to them about it.
Are there any festivities before and after the 2-mile walk, and if so what are they?
We have entertainment before the walk and during the walk for people who want to participate, but don’t want to or can’t walk. The Nautical Sounds has participated for most of the last eight years. We don’t have all the entertainment set up yet. We serve hot dogs, snacks and drinks provided by the Bethany Beach Christian Church after the walk each year. This is one of the best parts because people from different churches get together.
Two years ago the Southeast Sussex County division of the CROP Hunger Walk had 150 walkers and raised $20,000 overall, what is the goal for this year?
Last year it rained, but we still had at least 50 or 60 hardy souls who walked and we again raised $20,000. Twenty-five percent of the money earned stays in the community and is used by local food banks. For the last two years we kept $5,000 in the local area and helped make a dent in hunger. This year Pete Mauer, who is the treasurer for this walk, has recommended a goal of $27,000 since it is our 27th year and would like as many walkers as possible. Whatever anyone can contribute, big or small, comes together to make a big difference.
What churches in Southeast Sussex County get involved? Is there friendly competition between the churches for who can raise the most funds?
The churches so far have been St. Martha’s, Bethany Beach Christian, Ocean View Presbyterian, Church of Christ, Millville UMC, Union Wesley UMC, Antioch AME, Frankford UMC, Frankford Presbyterian, Roxana UMC, Bethel UMC Dagsboro, Community Lutheran, High Tide and St. Ann’s.
Marianne Ann Smith from Millville UMC said, “I never think about competition at all. We are collecting all we can to bring good health to those who do not have clean water to drink, who do not have a safe water source to give their children and because of this, so many become deathly ill. We have a great time collecting and sharing at the walk. Competition? No!”
IF YOU GO
What: CROP Walk
Where: Bethany Beach Bandstand
When: Sunday, May 7
Time: Registration 2 p.m., Walk 3 p.m.
Info:
Rose Mary Hendrix at rm.hendrix@mchsi.com or 302-537-9417.
Cost: Donations