Saturday, November 7, 2009 - North Philadelphia residents, members of the Greater Philadelphia Church of Christ along with One Day at a Time (ODAAT) mobilized to raise funds for HOPE worldwide by participating in a 5K walk-a-thon. This fundraiser is one in a series of fundraising efforts being conducted around the world to help promote and sustain the work for the poor culminating with the first annual International Day of Giving on November 22.

The event kicked off at the steps of the Winchester Center, located in the heart of North Philadelphia, where the Philadelphia Chapter conducts regular recreational and mentoring programs for neighborhood children. Families in this zip code have more than 300% higher risk of murder or robbery than the U.S. national average.

A crowd of approximately 200 walkers were encouraged by words from Randy Jordan, CEO, HOPE worldwide, Mel Wells of ODAAT, and HOPE worldwide Pennsylvania program director Bob Shanks. They were also entertained by hip hop artist Ronald Goodwin aka “Big City”.

As the groups walked together, some arm in arm, their obvious unity of purpose, camaraderie and joy inspired not only the fundraisers but an entire community.

HOPE worldwide and the Pennsylvania Chapter thanks each person who participated. Your fund raising will help the needy around the world while razing the walls of poverty around the corner.