5/9/03 - 2003 “5K Graze to Raise” Set for May
NEWS RELEASE
Anchorage, Alaska - March 20, 2003
2003 “5K Graze to Raise” Set for May 9
From making it possible for Alzheimer patient caregivers to receive a well-needed break to giving battered women a safe place to stay for the night, the Alaska Visitor Industry Charity Walk (AVICW) is having a lasting impact. Alaskans who want to join the visitor industry in its efforts to make lives better through donations to not-for-profit charities are invited to sign up now for the 2003 Alaska Visitor Industry Charity Walk. Up to 4,000 walkers are expected to participate in the 4th annual 5K “graze to raise” in Anchorage by gathering pledges and appetites for a fun walk through downtown on Friday, May 9, 2003.
“We’ve set an ambitious goal of raising $170,000 for Anchorage charities through the 2003 AVICW,” said Mark Eliason of US Travel, who is serving as chair of the 2003 event. The 2003 Alaska Visitor Industry Charity Walk will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Park Strip near 9th Avenue and M Street in Anchorage. Themed food villas will be set up along the walk route featuring food from around the world. Participants will end at the Park Strip for a grand finale, WOW event that features a variety of entertainment and activities, door prizes and plenty of dessert choices.
Last year, 52 charities received a total of $122,000 in donations from the AVICW. An additional $55,000 was raised at walks in Fairbanks, Juneau and Ketchikan.
The Alzheimer’s Resource Agency of Alaska received more than $14,000 of the funds raised in Anchorage in 2002, which it used to help fund its Respite Services program. This program offers primary caregivers of frail elderly or those suffering from Alzheimer’s or related disorders a much-needed break from their caregiving duties. Thanks in part to walk funding, the Alzheimer’s organization was able to offer more than 54,000 hours of respite services in 2002. Girl Scouts were able to raise a peace pole at College Gate School, thanks in part to funds raised through participation in the charity walk.
Teams of 25 or more people can designate the funds they raise to the nonprofit 501(C)(3) organization of their choice. To receive a team packet, call 786-0143. Funds raised by individual walkers benefit United Way of Anchorage’s Community Care Fund, Success by Six Initiative and other local charities. Team and individual participants must raise a minimum of $30 per adult or $15 per child (ages 5-18). Anyone registering late (after May 5, 2003) must raise a minimum of $40 per adult and $25 per child.
Visitor Industry Charity Walks also are scheduled for Fairbanks, Juneau and Ketchikan. For more information on the 2003 VICW, call the hotline at (907) 264-2178 or visit the website at www.alaskacharitywalk.org.
The Alaska Visitor Industry Charity Walk was established in 2000 to celebrate the tourism industry’s commitment to the community. The Alaska visitor industry, in partnership with United Way of Anchorage, created the fun, community event to raise money for designated United Way programs, as well as other nonprofit 501(C)(3) organizations. Generous event sponsors and volunteers enable expenses to be kept at a minimum, allowing the bulk of the proceeds to go to charity.
CONTACTS:
Nance Larsen
(907) 257-2310
nlarsen@anchorage.net
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