8th Annual Homeward Bound 5k Walk Hosted by the City of Bloomington

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2010

For more information, please contact:
Kathy Mayer, Community and Family Resources, City of Bloomington, 349-3430
Jared Schlemmer, Assistant Deputy Mayor, City of Bloomington, 349-3406, [mailto:schlemmj@bloomington.in.gov]

Bloomington, IN - The City of Bloomington's Community and Family Resources Department (CFRD) will host walk a day, change a life, the 8th Annual Homeward Bound 5K Walk, on Sunday, Apr. 18, at Third Street Park between Lincoln and Washington Streets downtown.

The yearly event, which runs from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., raises money to provide housing and address hunger and homelessness in the Bloomington area. In addition to the walk, there will be activities for children at Kid's Island and live music from local musical acts. Interested parties will have numerous chances for participation, from walking and fundraising to sponsorship and donation opportunities for both individuals and corporations. Volunteers also are needed for the day of the event to direct walkers and distribute materials.

Last year 600 participants raised $59,000, with all funds collected going to help 12 local agencies working with individuals experiencing hunger and homelessness in Bloomington. From 2003 to 2009, Bloomington Homeward Bound Walk has raised close to $400,000 to help fund programs for Amethyst House, Area 10 on Aging, Centerstone, Community Kitchen, Hoosier Hills Food Bank, Martha's House, Middle Way House, Monroe County United Ministries, Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, Shalom Community Center, Stepping Stones and the Youth Services Bureau of Monroe County.

There are many opportunities to participate in the Homeward Bound Walk. Fundraising and partnering sponsorship opportunities are available for individuals and businesses. No amount is too small. Donations of goods and services are always welcome, and volunteers are always needed.

Informational brochures and team packets are available at the Community and Family Resources Department at City Hall, 401 N. Morton Street, Suite 260.

For more information, contact City CFRD Office Manager/Homeward Bound Chair Kathy Mayer at 349-3430 or [mailto:mayerk@bloomington.in.gov]. You can also get more information at [http://bloomington.in.gov/homewardbound|http://bloomington.in.gov/homewardbound], or visit [www.homewardboundindiana.org/bloomington|www.homewardboundindiana.org/bloomington] to join a team or make an online donation.

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