About 100 people participated in the first ever Waupaca Walks for Children and raised $2,570 to support programs for families.
“It was a great turnout,” said Kasey Kaepernick, a Waupaca County Healthy Beginnings case manager and the chairman of Waupaca Child Abuse Prevention.
Proceeds from the walk will benefit Waupaca Child Abuse Prevention, an organization which provides funding for the Waupaca Family Resource Center and the programs its offers, as well as funding for the Waupaca Area Toddler Group and any other child abuse prevention programs throughout the county.
The walk was held on June 15, during the 25th annual Strawberry Fest.
Kaepernick appreciates the support of the community, the donors and the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce.
The group approached the Chamber about having the walk be part of Strawberry Fest, and the Chamber has already asked them back for next year.
“We hope to double it next year,” Kaepernick said of the number of participants.
He said Waupaca Walks for Children drew people from throughout the area and also had the support of the Waupaca County Department of Health and Human Services, with Director Chuck Price among the participants.
“I think it’s something families can look forward to with Strawberry Fest,” Kaepernick said.
He describes it as the perfect family event, saying it was a nice walk to South Park, where everyone gathered around the fountain for a group picture.
Plans call to take such a picture each year.
“The event was great. It’s great to spread the word about the resource center. Everyone can use it and the toddler group. The more people at those classes, the better,” Kaepernick said.