Batavia CROP walk sparks old, new family traditions

The first time Rebecca Riani of Geneva participated in the CROP Hunger Walk, she was in a stroller.

Sunday, on the eve of her 8th birthday, she walked the 5K route in Batavia with her mom, Renee Riani.

“We walk in any weather. We’ve been on the walk before and we’ve brought umbrellas. People have strollers and wagons,” said the elder Riani, who also is a member of the Geneva Lutheran Church.

“If we’re here (in town) we do it as a family. We look forward to it. We know it does some good,” she added.

Dozens of walkers stepped off from the Batavia United Methodist Church Sunday afternoon to walk along the Fox River Trail. The walk took about 45 to 55 minutes to complete.

The event raised about $6,600, which goes to Lazarus House, Salvation Army, Batavia Food Pantry and Northern Illinois Food Banks. Church World Service sponsors the walk in conjunction with churches across the country.

Ryan Marsh, a church member and eighth grader at Rotolo Middle School, was one of the few who ran the course.

“The money all goes to a good place,” he said. “It’s part of being a member of the congregation, doing good deeds and generosity. I enjoyed it.”

Joining Marsh as first-time participants were Mariah Robinson and Emily DiSerio, both eighth graders at Rotolo.

“I like getting out and walking and getting fresh air and being with my friend,” DiSerio said.

Jamie Kohorst of Geneva and her daughter, Danielle, a sixth-grader at Geneva Middle School South, raised $115 through pledges. It was their first time on the walk and they plan to do it again next year, perhaps starting a tradition like the Rianis.

“I thought it was a good cause and I like to walk so why not do both?” said Jamie Kohorst, also a member of the Geneva Methodist Church.

“I like it because I’m not used to walking (long distances) and it’s fun,” Danielle added.