Aurora walk will help fight homelessness
It's a walk you'll want to stick around for long after it's done.
Aurora's third Hike for Hesed will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday at Hesed House, 659 S. River Street.
Proceeds from the 3-mile walk benefit the ministries of Hesed House, including Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry, Aurora Soup Kitchen and Public Action to Deliver Shelter.
The event has grown significantly each year, with 100 walkers its first year and about 600 expected this weekend. Organizers hope to raise more than $45,000 -- last year's mark.
Participants ask donors to sponsor their walk; anyone collecting $25 or more will get a free T-shirt.
Registration's at 9 a.m., and the walk begins at 10. The group will head from the parking lot through downtown to the Aurora Transportation Center and back.
The route is significant because it's the one many homeless people walk every day, walk leader Karen Whitney said.
"Everyone pulls together," she said.
Following the hike, walkers can enjoy entertainment and a cookout.
The event's highlight is the level of camaraderie and enthusiasm among participants, walkers say. Many groups sport bright colored T-shirts.
"No one was in a hurry to leave," Hesed House supporter Mary Ensor said of last year. "Everyone knew they were making a difference."
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