Good Friday Walk Raises Funds for Local Shelter and Charity

While many enjoy the day off of work in celebration of Good Friday, that wasn’t the case for a group of faithful folks that walked 20 miles traveling through three towns – Vernon, Ellington, and East Windsor – on Friday.

The Rockville United Methodist Church has been hosting the annual walk for 29 years. The walk raises funds for the Tri-Town Shelter and Sharing Inc., a non-profit organization that helps to make a difference in children’s lives who suffer from poverty and racism. Sharing, Inc. began the walk idea in the 1970s.

On Friday morning RUMC was buzzing with people – approximately 120 – who were registering to begin their 20 mile journey. The event has raised between $10,000 and $14,000 over the last several years according to Judie Culy, who works on organizing the event. A third of what is raised generally goes to the Tri-Town Shelter.

“What else would you do on Good Friday,” Culy said with a smile. “This is a way to remember what Christ sacrificed for us.”

Steve Yoder also assists in coordinating the event. He explained that Union Church, Ellington Congregational Church and Crystal Lake United Methodist also work to make the event happen. He said the event is a great way to bring the community together to remember those who are not as fortunate.

“We all saw a need to help the less fortunate in our community,” Yoder said. “This is a great opportunity for the church and others to be reminded of sacrifices.”

As walkers waited to begin, purple shirts and sweat shirts were placed on a table with “I believe in sharing” on them. Sharing, Inc. began the Good Friday walk 40 years ago to remind people to remember the suffering in the world and to sacrifice as Jesus did.

Three walkers from Woodstock were all smiles in the morning as they looked over the map and talked about walking 15-minute miles to finish the 20 miles in - hopefully - five hours. Linda Wilson, a second-time participant, recruited Suzanne Hagstrom and Dory Salvas to walk this year.

“It’s a good cause,” Salvas said.

"It helps feed our personal egos,” Hagstrom said with a smile. “It’s a reminder that the stereotype of people being homeless can be anyone these days. One day you can be a CEO and the next not have a home.”

Vernon residents Terri Goldich and Sheryl O’Coin said they teamed up to give back to communities near and far.

“It’s for charity. It is a great cause,” Goldich said. “Its work walking 20 miles, but it is well worth it.”

“It’s an excellent thing to walk for,” O’Coin said. “We are so blessed. We should be able to give to other people and want to.”

Union Church member Lisa Perry explained she hoped that people would recognize the event and know of its importance locally and nationally.

“It’s a good thing to do. It’s fun,” Perry said. “We have a whole group from church. It’s a good time being together. We hope people pay attention.”

Walkers were cheerful and motivated at mile marker 4.6, where they stopped in Ellington for some oranges, sweets or something to drink.

Bob Mattern of Bolton was moving along with his walking partner David Howe, who has participated for 28 years.

“I wanted to help raise money for two great causes,” Mattern said. “And I wanted to fellowship.”

“This is a great way to celebrate my savior on Good Friday,” Howe added.

Linda Nichols of Willington and Susan Fonseca of Vernon, sisters, have walked on the Good Friday Walk for the last five years.

“It’s a good cause,” they both said in sync. “It’s a time for us to catch up,” Fonseca added.

Roy Borasky of South Windsor appeared to have the most energy at the 4.6 mile marker. He was all smiles and moved in and out of the pit stop quickly. Borasky received a heart value replacement three years ago.

“I’m doing it this year in honor of my wife who is an amputee,” Borasky said. “Last year I did it to honor the sacrifices Christ made for me and others. I can’t stop. I have to keep going!”

Checking back in at the starting and finishing point at RUMC, workers there praised Leona Hirth, 93, who completed 1.6 miles with Raymond Young using her walker.

Walkers were grateful to make their way inside the Windsorville United Methodist Church at mile 11, where they fueled up on sandwiches, drinks, and fruit.

Holly Dzen of Ellington, is an avid supporter of causes like the Good Friday Walk supports. She recently joined a running club as well.

“It supports the homeless. I’m a huge advocate for causes that support homeless people,” Dzen said. “I was surprised by the monetary support I have received, especially from my Facebook post stating ‘please help our homeless peeps.”

Greg Blanchfield of Windsor Locks and his herding dog Amiga, enjoyed their walk along the route. When Blanchfield stopped for a bit to eat himself as well as giving dog treats and water to his canine walker, Amiga barked appearing to let him know not to take too long as she was ready to keep moving.

“This is a great thing to do on Good Friday.” Blanchfield said. “It is the season of redemption and rebirth. The Walk is for great causes.”

As runners arrived and left the Windsorville United Methodist Church volunteer Phyllis King of Rockville gave hugs and smiles for walkers. She has been volunteering for the Walk for over 20 years.

As one walker said it best as he left the Windsorville United Methodist Church to finish the last nine miles, “The Lord has risen, indeed!”

Walkers raise funds generally by the miles they complete. The dollars raised in the past have been over $10,000, Culy said.

Good Friday is observed to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. It is observed during Holy Week on the Friday preceding Easter. It has also been known as Black Friday, Holy Friday, or Great Friday. 

Chris Luginbuhl of Tolland's Reflect & Glow Products donated reflective arm and waist bands for the Walk this year.