Annual CROP Walk reaches $32,000 goal

Last year for the sixth time, Renton was in the top 100 walks nationwide – out of more than 2,000 communities that participate.

Wilma Clark, riding on her new electric wheelchair, helped the Renton CROP Hunger Walk reach its $32,000 goal for the annual walk.

The 90-year-old Renton resident is a veteran of all 32 of Renton’s CROP walks that have raised about $606,000 to help fight hunger locally and worldwide.

Clark, who walked with her daughter-in-law Amelia Clark, wasn’t the only participant sporting wheels. There were strollers and wagons – the youngest walker was 3 years old.

In all about 250 people walked along the Cedar River Trail Sunday, starting at Liberty Park, on a beautiful sunny day. Dogs wore CROP ribbons, and the canines were some of the biggest fundraisers, according to Sharon Kenyon, CROP Walk organizer.

“Our six-mile walk along the Cedar River is very meaningful, because many in the world have to walk six miles a day just to get water,” said Kenyon.

Twenty-five percent of the proceeds go to help fight hunger locally at the Salvation Army Renton Rotary Food Bank, the Margie Williams Helping Hands, the Center of Hope day center at Renton City Hall, ARISE (Area of Renton Interfaith Shelter Endeavor) and the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank.

The other 75 percent helps fight hunger globally.

Last year for the sixth time, Renton was in the top 100 walks nationwide – out of more than 2,000 communities that participate.