News Release
Graze to Raise
Anchorage, Alaska – April 3, 2006 – Sample some of the best food Anchorage has to offer, burn calories and raise money for numerous non-profit Alaska charities during the 7th annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk (VICW) on May 5, 2006. More than 1,500 people are expected to “Graze to Raise” at the annual event.
Walkers start at the west end of the Park Strip at 5:30 p.m., and then travel throughout downtown Anchorage where they stop at various food stations along the way. Participants in the 5K event end up at the Park Strip for the grand finale “Wow event” featuring dessert, live entertainment, a beer and wine garden, hair and face painting for kids, carnival games and prize drawings.
“It’s a fun, all-inclusive family event allowing the community to get out and spend time together on a beautiful spring day,” said VICW co-chair Karen Rogina. “At the same time, they can celebrate the good causes that enrich our lives. The event also generates a tremendous amount of civic pride,” she added.
Everyone in the community is invited to take part as an individual or a team. Either way, participants will be raising money to support dozens of local charities, such as the Downtown Soup Kitchen in Anchorage. The Soup Kitchen serves an average of 350 meals to low-income residents and the homeless every day.
“The funds we receive from the Visitor Industry Charity Walk covers about two months of our operating budget,” said Patty Barsalou, executive director of the Downtown Soup Kitchen. “That’s huge because we don’t get any federal funding. The money raised at the Charity Walk enables us to keep our doors open throughout the summer.”
The Visitor Industry Charity Walk was established six years ago to raise awareness about the many ways in which the tourism industry gives back to the community. The goal was also to provide a fun way for charities to raise funds for their causes. Since then, the event has caught on in other Alaska cities, including Fairbanks and Ketchikan.
The visitor industry-hosted event has raised $911,179 statewide during the past five years, with nearly 20,000 walkers raising funds for their causes. Since 2,000, Anchorage has raised more than $743,000 in cash sponsorships, raffle revenues and funds raised by the walkers. Last year’s event generated more than $75,000.
Participants can choose their favorite charity by forming teams and raising $500 or more. Registration is $30 per adult and $15 per child (ages 5 – 18). Late registration is $40 per adult and $25 per child after May 2, 2006.
Team packets can be requested by emailing info@alaskacharitywalk.com. Individual registration forms will be available at the ACVB Log Cabin downtown after March 21, 2006. Registration and bib pick-up is scheduled for May 2, 2006 at the Alaska Railroad Depot, 4 – 7 p.m. Late registration takes place May 5, 2006 at the start of the walk at 9th Avenue and N Street. For more information, log onto the VICW Web site at www.alaskacharitywalk.org.
The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau’s mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage. ACVB’s marketing functions are funded by half of the bed tax collected by the lodging association. The other half goes to the Municipality’s general fund. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. For more information, explore www.Anchorage.net.
The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau’s mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage. ACVB’s marketing functions are funded by 1/3 of the bed tax collected by the lodging association. One-third goes to the Municipality’s general fund and 1/3 goes to the Anchorage Civic and Convention construction project. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. For more information, explore www.Anchorage.net.
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Media Contacts:
Laura Tanis
Public Relations Manager
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
ltanis@anchorage.net
(907) 257-2331 direct
(907) 250-5285 cell
(907) 222-3752 fax
Nance Larsen, APR
Vice President, Communications & Marketing Programs
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
nlarsen@anchorage.net
(907) 276-4118 direct
