On Sunday, November 3, 2013, a Walk-a-Thon was held on the Kellenberg track to benefit Camp Anchor. Camp Anchor is a year-round recreation program dedicated to citizens with both mental and physical handicaps. Many Kellenberg students volunteer their time at Anchor’s six-week summer camp and winter program. Senior Michelle Manning comments, “The moments I spend working at anchor are the ones that I cherish and look forward to the most. The campers have truly shown me what it means to live your life to the fullest and inspire me to also do this.”
The Walk-a-Thon was coordinated by Christina DiMasso (’14) and Brendan Callahan (’15), who both work at the camp. Brendan says, “I did this because Camp Anchor has been so great for my brother, Thomas, who struggles with autism. I have also grown so much through volunteering there these past three summers.” Christina adds, “I was so grateful for the chance to help give back to such an incredible organization and the amazing people who compose it. It took a lot of hard work but we were so motivated by our passion and love for this camp.”
The Walk-a-Thon took place from 9:30 AM until noon, and approximately 300 people registered and attended. The participants consisted of Kellenberg students and faculty and Anchor staff, volunteers, and campers, as well as students from other neighboring high schools, such as Chaminade and Sacred Heart. With a $10 donation at registration the participant received a wristband. If participants raised over $150, they were rewarded with a Camp Anchor Walk-a-Thon drawstring bag.
The fun, family atmosphere of the walk was all thanks to the generous support of many different teams, families, and companies. The Kellenberg track was filled with blue and gold jerseys thanks to the many Kellenberg fall athletes who came out to walk for the cause. Students who are members of both the Kellenberg and Anchor family volunteered their time face-painting, handing out food and water, and supervising games such as bean bag toss and “Pin the Nose on the Pumpkin”. Hicks Nursery donated a pumpkin patch which was perfect for this Fall day. Music was played throughout the day thanks to a DJ, Stephen Parrinello, and the football field was filled with Kellenberg students who danced with disabled children and teens.
Many Kellenberg students and faculty walked, donated, and offered support. Thanks to everyone’s generosity the Walk-a-Thon raised approximately $9,000, which will benefit the camp, and it’s camper’s significantly.