“We are inviting students, business establishments, families, and the whole community to join the walk and support the American Red Cross program,” NMI-chapter executive director John Hirsh said.
Donation for the 25th Walkathon is $15 each which entitles a walker or participant to a free t-shirt, sandwich and refreshments.
Hirsh said participants can take advantage of the services various organizations will be offering including a health fair, blood pressure checks, and cooking demonstrations from Northern Marianas College-Cooperative Research Extension and Education Service staffers.
Children will also enjoy carnival games, face painting, petting animals from the Saipan zoo, and a big truck show from the Department of Public Safety’s Fire Division.
Hirsh said all walkers who raise $75 on their pledge forms will receive a 1 GB USB flash drive bracelet and a 1 GB MP3 player.
Hirsh is urging schools and local businesses to consider the walkathon as an opportunity to bond together.
Despite the hard economic times, Hirsh said he is optimistic they will be able to surpass last year’s $45,000 proceeds this year.
“With the cooperation of the community, we can do it,” Hirsh said.
The local Red Cross will be donating $5,000 or about 10 percent from the walkathon’s proceeds to the ongoing relief operations for the survivors and victims of the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan on March 11.
Premier sponsors for the walkathon are Coca-Cola, Foremost, Subway, Glimpses Advertising and Publications, and Scoops.
For more information, call 234-3459
