Contact: Mark Mattern	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tel. (717) 545-7299	May 28, 2010
Email: mmattern@harrisburghabitat.org

Habitat Walkers Set New Records

More than 300 supporters walk to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity as Friends of Habitat leads the way.

 

Supporters of Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg area showed up in record numbers recently to participate in a walk to raise funds for the ecumenical housing ministry.  Habitat for Humanity was one of 37 non-profit organizations to take part in Highmark’s annual Walk for a Healthy Community held May 22nd on City Island.

 

The record number of 318 walkers for Habitat raised more than $18,000. Habitat for Humanity also saw 23 teams walk in the event.  These totals surpassed Habitat’s numbers, 105 walkers, $7,400 in donations and eight teams from last year. On the day, an overall total of more than 2,000 participants took to the 5K course representing all the non-profits. 

 

“We were thrilled with the response of Habitat supporters for this event,” said Habitat’s Director of Development Mark Mattern.  “We had board members, Women Build members, youth groups, businesses, churches, builders and individual volunteers all getting together to make this day a big success. All of our old records were smashed this year.”

 

The top fundraising group was the Friends of Habitat team.  Although this was a small group in numbers, the volunteers raised $4,120.  Right behind the top fundraiser was the Women Building Dreams team representing Habitat’s Women Build project.  The Women Build team raised $3,403 for Habitat.

 

 Hershey High School’s Habitat for Humanity, an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area teamed up with Milton Hershey School for the walk this year. After sending 17 walkers to City Island last year, the Hershey/Milton Hershey Dream Team had 120 participants this year.  Far and away, the Hershey group was the largest team walking for Habitat.

 

The money raised for Habitat for Humanity will go a long way toward eliminating poverty housing here in Central Pennsylvania.  All funds earned on the day of the walk will stay here and support local projects.

 

Anyone looking to make a donation to Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area may visit Habitat’s web site at www.harrisburghabitat.org. Donations can also be made by calling the local office at 717-545-7299.

 

Click here to view photos from this event