“The perfect weather and the continuous support of the community for the Red Cross on Saturday were overwhelming,” American Red Cross-NMI chapter executive director John Hirsh told the Variety yesterday.
Asked how much they raised, he replied: “We will know in a few days but I’m very happy we did well.”
Hirsh extended his thanks to all the supporters for the success of this year’s walkathon.
“This just goes to show that economic crisis or not, our community is there to lend their support for the projects of the Red Cross,” Hirsh said.
There were five stations along Beach Road that offered sandwiches and water to the walkers, courtesy of different sponsors.
Participants also availed of the different services provided by various agencies such as the blood pressure checks offered by the Department of Public Health, free food samples cooked by staffers of the Northern Marianas College Cooperative Research Extension and Education Service, and free informational materials and pamphlets from other government agencies and companies.
Children also had a grand time with face painting and other games.
Ten percent or about $5,000 of the proceeds will be donated to the ongoing relief operations in Japan.
“To everyone who joined us, thank you for showing up and continuing to support us. Whatever you donated will be given back to the community to help those who are in need,” Hirsh said.
