St. Mary's Up to Father Chuck's Challenge

The people of laced up to take part in their third annual Father Chuck's Challenge Walk, Saturday, Nov. 5. The Challenge, in memory of Father Charles Pfeffer, engages area parishes in fundraising events for the underprivileged.

All donations and pledges will benefit the St. Mary's Fishing Village (named for the parish) in Haiti. With the latest in boating and fishing technology, it is hoped that the village will be able to sustain itself -- and thrive -- by taking advantage of the good fishing waters in the area.

Groups of families and friends teamed up on the benches of the Upper Salford Park pavilion as they created signs bearing each team's name. Many students in Upper Salford Park that morning were giving time for their Confirmation service projects.

Mother and daughter Carol and Grace Munz were among those walking for a service project, and wanted to help a good cause.
Richard Vorwald and his mother, Donna, also walked as Richard prepares for his upcoming Confirmation. Richard also took a donation jar when he went trick-or-treating on Halloween and collected $27 for the village.
When asked how he would recommend participating in the walk, Richard replied, "You should go, because you'll be helping people have a better life."

Monsignor Francis Schmidt also stopped by that morning, met the walkers and prayed with the group before they began their journey along the paths. He was also surprised by a birthday cake; he turned 80 that day.