The constant rain earlier in the week altered the original route for the 11th annual Friends of the Poor Walk at St. Timothy Church in Chantilly. But the sun Sept. 29 encouraged nearly 50 walkers to traverse the parish campus and down Walney Road for a 3-mile walk.
Eileen Smith, co-vice president of the St. Timothy St. Vincent de Paul chapter founded in 2003, said the walk raised more than $7,000 to help the needy in the area with rent, mortgage, medical and transportation assistance.
“Instead of asking parishioners all the time for money, this is a help,” said Smith.
Charlene Unterkoffler, coordinator of senior relief services for St. Vincent de Paul, said the walk provides a way to continue the mission of charity.
The morning began with a prayer by Cathy McNary, followed by a lively warmup led by Leslie Jenuleson. “It’s an honor to be here, serve this community and get everyone motivated to walk,” said Jenuleson.
Kurt Schneid from Spin City Pro pumped up the crowd with “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake as walkers. Fairfax County Auxiliary police officers Ashleigh Soloff and Bob Battani joined in before they served as crossing guards.
“Other than the slight change of the walk route, I feel it was a very successful walk,” said Smith. “We hope that every year we will continue to add to the number or walkers.”
The Friends of the Poor Walk/Run, held throughout the country, is coordinated by the national office of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
