Next Door thanks everyone for taking time on Saturday, May 3rd to attend the 2008 Walk for Children. Special guests at the Walk included current and past Next Door Board members, Walk Sponsorship Chair John Larson, public officials, and of course, 2008 Walk Leader – Leroy Butler.
People from throughout 2008 Walk for Children
the greater Milwaukee
area braved the cold and rainy weather to take part in the day's festivities.
Dave Romoser, Next Door Board President, dedicated the 19th annual Walk for Children to the memory of John Koenitzer, a former Board member. John played a major role in helping Next Door become a central part of Milwaukee’s Metcalfe Park neighborhood. Members of the Koenitzer Family took part in a brief tribute to John’s work at Next Door. Clint Wray, Leroy Butler & Jessie Wray at a
special reception after the 2008 Walk
Harley-Davidson and Northwestern Mutual friends and families came out in large numbers to show their support for the kids in our community.
The master of ceremonies, Jessie Wray, kept the crowd entertained while reminding walkers that this event is “all about the kids.” A special thank you goes to Studio Gear for again providing all of the sound equipment and for The Misfits Blues Band who provided entertainment.
All attendees received an official Walk Bracelet. Before the Walk, Assistant Chief Gus Moulas from the Elm Grove Police Department put on a demonstration featuring Qai, the K-9 police training Also, Artists Working in Education (AWE) worked with children on a community art
project.
Children and adults raffle items were drawn throughout the day thanks to the generosity of local corporations and nonprofit organizations. At the program recruitment area, Next Door staff reminded parents to enroll their children in the summer program and/or the 2008-09 School Year.
Before the Walk, Clint Wray and the HR All City Drum Line helped everyone warm-up and catch the Next Door Walk for Children spirit. After the Walk, everyone enjoyed a submarine sandwich lunch (special thanks to Frito Lay, Midwest Airlines, Pepsi America and Paper Machinery for in-kind food and beverage donations).
When the festivities were almost over, the remaining crowd enjoyed watching the traditional Musical Chairs competition. Next Door staff member James Austin served as the DJ for this fun-filled activity.
Once again this year, individuals from throughout the Milwaukee area collected pledges in support of their Walk involvement. All pledge raisers worked toward eligibility for the airline ticket drawing (thanks to the generosity of Midwest Airlines) which will take place at the Walk thank you event on June 18th.
Sharon Schulz, Next Door’s Executive Director, announced at the event that to-date, the 19th annual Walk for Children, has already raised more than $75,000, with more donations expected in the next few weeks. While many walkers know that most of the gifts to the Walk come from Walk sponsors, individual friends, and pledges, they don’t know that each year Next Door teachers, parents and children buy shoes as a fundraising competition between classes. This year, Room 119 won this intense, intra-agency competition.
A special thank you goes out to all the volunteers who arrived early and stayed late to make this year’s event special event for everyone. Also, Next Door greatly appreciates the efforts of the Milwaukee Police Department and Auxiliary who once again lined the Walk route to ensure the safety of the Walkers.
Thanks again to everyone who made this year’s Walk one of the best ever! We hope that all of you participate again next year in the 20th annual Walk for Children when Next Door celebrates 40 years of service to the community!