Walkfest at Loantaka Benefits Hearts in Many Ways

We all know that walking is an excellent exercise for our bodies, providing cardiovascular benefits. Participating in District 7470 Rotary’s Walkfest 2011 on May 1 at Loantaka Brook Reservation can make walking a benefit to others as well.

Walkfest is a fundraising event sponsored by the 54 Rotary Clubs in Morris, Sussex, Essex and Warren counties, with the money earned supporting the Rotary International Foundation’s efforts to eradicate polio.

“Rotary International has received a donation of $355 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation toward the polio effort,” said Margit Rahill, chair of the Walkfest event. “We are trying to match that donation. So far we've raised $106 million, and we'd like to get to $200 million by June 2012,” she added.

Rotary is a 501c3 nonprofit charitable organization. 

Walkfest can also provide funds for any groups that choose to walk.

“The way it works is that when a group decides to walk and gets pledges, half of the pledge money comes to rotary, and the other half stays with the group for whatever needs they see fit,” Rahill said. “The group has to be a nonprofit organization, but that’s the only rule we have.”

The pledges are verified on the day of the event, and then 50% of the donations are returned to the groups that participated. Some groups that have participated in the past include sports groups, school groups, PTAs, woman’s clubs and church groups, Rahill said.

The walk will take place at two sites this year, Loantaka Brook Reservation in Morris Township and Waterloo Village in Budd Lake. There is an 8K course that participants can walk, run or bicycle. Strollers are allowed, as are dogs.

A continental breakfast is served before the event, and hot dogs and chili await the finishers. A number of donated prizes are available for participants as well, including a t-shirt for each pre-registered walker and a goody bag for all registrants.

Those who amass $250 in pledges will get a Walkfest golf shirt, and $500 in pledges earns Bumbles the Bear, a collectible stuffed teddy bear with a choice of outfit.