Seven: Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation

August 25th marked one year since I unofficially set my 60 by 60 goal. Since I didn't do my first walk until April 28th, I have had a busy few months trying to catch up. On my birthday, I completed my seventh walk, keeping me on track for success. Kristin joined me again, this time for the Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation 5K. 

The morning began with a welcome from Colton's family and a send-off from a wounded warrior. 











We walked through the Central States Fairgrounds and were greeted by the animals in the Ag Barn.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Veterans proudly waved the red, white and blue.

After the walk, we celebrated with family.

                                          Year Two begins in Spearfish on September 16th.

Six: Coach K Memorial Mile

One week ago, I spent a day getting drenched in a downpour at Valley Forge. Who knew it was preparing me for my sixth walk?

The Live Like Lilli Foundation hosted the First Annual Coach Kambestad Memorial Mile. Kambestad died earlier this year, and last night many who knew him turned out to honor his memory. Money raised will support a scholarship in the beloved teacher/coach's name.

The walk began near the picnic shelter at Old Storybook Island in Rapid City--complete with music and thunderstorm warnings.

The rain held off until we started walking, but getting wet did not dampen anyone's spirits.

It was a beautiful evening complete with a reminder of God's promise.

Five: Tom Pfeifle 5k

Yesterday brought another Saturday morning walk, and I finally got to walk with Kristin! It was an early start, so we left home long before we would usually be up. It almost felt like we should be going to rummage sales, but instead we headed to Founders Park with over 500 other people for the Tom Pfeifle 5k.


The Run/Walk was held in honor of a nineteen year old Stevens graduate who died after a climbing accident almost two years ago. Proceeds from the fundraiser will help build Raider Park, an outdoor biking and hiking area that it sounds like
he would have loved.
 

We followed the bike path across Rapid Creek and under West Omaha, crossed Canyon Lake Road, and turned around in Sioux Park. Before we walkers even finished our first mile, the runners were already coming back. We kept on walking and made our way back to Founders Park. It was a well-planned event for a great cause.

Four: 2018 Black Hills ALS

A large group gathered at Memorial Park yesterday, June 23rd, for the annual ALS Walk. Thanks, Emily, for once again spearheading Team Dan!



The shirts were awesome as usual, and the group had a great time remembering Dan and walking for the cause. 

After the rain we've had all week, there was some mud and squishy spots along the way and the creek was roaring, but nobody minded a bit--especially since Walk Day was sunny and bright.

I enjoyed a great visit with Annie
and her little one then finished the
walk with a cute little zombie who
wanted to be the first one done--he
was so close!













 

Walk Number Five is this Saturday, June 30th. Follow the link if you can join me--I would love your company!

Three: Third Annual Sturgis Ambulance 5K Color Splash

Walk number three was Thursday, May 24, 2018. It was my first "color splash," and I was not sure what to expect. My friend Cindy joined me for the fun. It all began at the Sturgis Ambulance/Fire Hall. The color flew around even before we started walking.
In several spots along the way, EMS members and other volunteers splashed us with color. Both Cindy and I were great targets for some former students--like Tallina:-)
The planned route took us down Ball Park Road to Main Street, then west to Seventh Street and north to Lazelle. It then went back to Third Street and followed it to Colorado Drive, David Drive, and Ball Park to end up back where we started. Cindy and I followed the route--almost. One detour was onto Cooper Loop to wave at my mom as we went by. It took a little longer than expected since Eddie the dog escaped, and I had to catch him before we could continue our walk. When we got to Bear Butte School, we took another short cut through the parking lot--but still walked over two and a half miles. No regrets!

Two: Black Hills Walk for Wishes

Saturday, May 19, 2018, my friend Peggy and I "walked for wishes" in Rapid City. It was the Sixth Annual Black Hills Walk for Wishes sponsored by Make a Wish South Dakota.
We had a great time visiting while we learned about the amazing impact Make a Wish has on the lives of local families. The walk began at Main Street Square and followed several city blocks to end up back at Main Street Square.

My next walk is Thursday night in Sturgis. It's a 5K Color Splash Fundraiser for the Sturgis Ambulance. If you'd like to join me, here is the link to more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1806710506046921/

One: JDRF

 Saturday, April 28, 2018, I began walking toward my goal. I joined Team Sarah at the First Annual Black Hills Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDRF) Walk. Captain Karen did an awesome job heading up the team!

The weather in Spearfish cooperated--none of the wild wind that came later in the day.

 Walkers helped raise almost $20,000 for JDRF, and Team Sarah was a huge contributor. What a great kick-off to my goal!
Next on my calendar is Walk for Wishes in Rapid City on May 19. The link to my personal page is below.
http://site.wish.org/site/TR/WalkForWishes/General?px=3936497&pg=personal&fr_id=2790#.WuaalZch3IU

Change of Plans

I thought my first walk would be on May 19, but today I heard about one taking place next week that I can't miss--the first -ever Black Hills Walk-a-Thon for JDRF. I am joining Team Sarah, captained by my friend and DKG sister, Karen Schlekeway. Sarah is her daughter who has Type 1 diabetes. Here is the link to her story: http://www2.jdrf.org/site/TR?fr_id=7286&pg=team&team_id=253420

The Beginning

Last year, I set a goal--in my mind at least--to do sixty fundraiser walks by the time I turn sixty. Seemed do-able. If I did the math correctly, it is about seven walks per year. Well, I have not started yet, which means I have until August 25th this year to do seven walks, or I will already be missing my mark. With that in mind, I have signed up for my first walk, a fundraiser for Make a Wish. Any donations using the link below would be appreciated. I can't wait to blog about each of my walks!


http://site.wish.org/site/TR?px=3936497&pg=personal&fr_id=2790&et=uWgwdI-8Falvn94f02NUbg#.WsGlzZch3IU