April 14 kicks off 11th annual Homeward Bound 5K Walk

[image:6716,left]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 2, 2013

For more information, please contact:
Kathy Mayer, Homeward Bound Chair, City of Bloomington Department of Community and Family Resources, 349.3430

April 14 kicks off 11th annual Homeward Bound 5K Walk

Bloomington, Ind. - The Homeward Bound 5K Walk will stride into its 11th year on April 14 at the Waldron, Hill and Buskirk Park (formerly Third Street Park). The Bloomington walk is hosted by the City of Bloomington Department of Community and Family Resources.

Registration will begin at noon. Nationally recognized singer, songwriter and instrumentalist Maria Sarah Local will kick off the walk, and The Sad Sam's Blue Jam will provide after-walk entertainment. The walk is a free, family event featuring activities for children at Kid's Island, games for pets at Pet's Island, refreshments and the opportunity to connect with other community members while working together to end homelessness.

The Homeward Bound Walk Committee also welcomes Honorary Spokesperson Pam Dewig. Dewig, a client from Amethyst House, exemplifies how supporting local social services agencies can give community members opportunities to turn their lives around.

"I thought I could do it alone, but once I realized I couldn't they were there to help," Dewig said. "Homeward Bound is a wonderful opportunity for me to give back and help show our community there is successes coming from working with these agencies."

All of the funds raised through the local Homeward Bound 5K Walk are distributed to area service providers, including Amethyst House, Centerstone, Community Kitchen of Monroe County, Hoosier Hills Food Bank, Martha's House, Middle Way House, Monroe County United Ministries, Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, New Hope Family Shelter, Stepping Stones, Shalom Community Center, and the Youth Services Bureau of Monroe County.

A project of the Indiana Association for Community and Economic Development (IACED), the local Walk has raised more than $575,000 in aid since its start in 2003. The Walk is underwritten by the City of Bloomington Department of Community and Family Resources, United Way of Monroe County, Indiana University, Ivy Tech Community College and the IACED.

For more information, contact Homeward Bound Chair Kathy Mayer at 349.3430 or by email at [mailto:mayerk@bloomington.in.gov]. You also can get more information by visiting the Homeward Bound [website|www.homewardboundindiana.org/bloomington].

###