WYANDOTTE—Today, Wayne Metro Community Action Agency announces its goal to raise $100,000 to keep Wayne County residents warm this winter. With support from corporate sponsors, civic and religious organizations, schools and concerned citizens, the Agency tasked with alleviating the causes and conditions of area poverty is attempting to double what it has raised in years past through this annual fundraising event.
The recent frigid weather conditions combined with the high demand for emergency utility and housing assistance has tripled the call volume coming into the Agency’s client call center. As a result Agency leadership is putting a call out for donations big and small to bring aid to the County’s most vulnerable citizens.
“As a human service organization, it is heartbreaking to have to turn people in need away,” said Mia Cupp, Director of Development and Communications, Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency. “The Walk funds are unrestricted and act as a safety net for those who would otherwise fall through the cracks.
Through generous donations and support from partners like DTE, Channel 7, Daly Merritt, Inc., O’Brien Construction, Fifth Third Bank, Plante Moran, LB Painting and more, Walk donations have already exceeded 2013 totals.
“We have been experiencing unprecedented call volumes – 400 to 500 calls is now a typical day for us,” Cupp says. “Walk donations will help take thousands who are in crisis and give them the supports they need to move forward to long-term stability.”
One of 29 Community Action Agencies in Michigan, Wayne Metro provides Wayne County residents with a wide-range of services from energy and emergency utility assistance to financial and healthcare enrollment services. Since May of 2013, the Agency has engaged with 16,000 new clients – those who have never reached out to Wayne Metro for help before.
“Emergency services are often the first point of contact we have with clients,” says Cupp. Once we resolve that initial crisis, we can help navigate them through a progressive system of programs. The client becomes invested in a self-generated action plan designed with goals and milestones that can be achieved over time. We believe this personalized approach is the key to long-term success.”
This non-competitive walk around the Ford Field concourse will include a variety of family-friendly activities and entertainment. Participants will also have an opportunity to take part in special on-field activities including a helmet bounce, field goal kick, target toss, a slide and mini locker room tours. Team awards will also be given. Registration is $15 per person and special event rate parking located in the Ford Field Parking Structure on St. Antoine Street for just $4 per car. Participants must enter the arena through Gate G. The first 500 walkers to register will receive an official Walk for Warmth t-shirt and event bag.
Event Schedule:
Registration: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Opening Ceremony: 9:30 am
Walk Kick-off: 9:45 am
On-Field Activities: 10:45 am – 12:00 pm
Awards and Prizes: 11:45 am
For more even details, please visit https://www.waynemetro.org/events/walk-for-warmth-2014.
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