Neighbor News
Mayor, Other Leaders Join Walk for Warmth
Twenty local dignitaries including seven aldermen sign on as walkers or supporters of Interfaith Action of Evanston fundraiser.
A host of local dignitaries, led by Mayor Steve Hagerty, NAACP President Rev. Dr. Michael Nabors, seven aldermen and numerous city officials have signed on as walkers or supporters of Interfaith Action of Evanston’s Walk for Warmth, to be held Jan. 20.
The event, which kicks off at First United Methodist Church at 11 am on MLK Day of Service, will be raising money through donations and sponsorships to support IAE’s Emergency Overnight Shelter. Walkers will travel a roughly two-mile circuit of churches in downtown Evanston, each of which serves as a host to the shelter in a three-week rotation.
In addition to Mayor Hagerty, Alderman Judy Fiske, Alderman Melissa Wynne, Alderman Don Wilson, Alderman Robin Rue Simmons, Alderman Tom Suffredin, Alderman Eleanor Revelle , Alderman Cecily Fleming have all pledged support. Also supporting or walking are Evanston City Manager Erika Storlie, Police Chief Demetrius Cook and Fire Chief Brian Scott, along with numerous religious leaders including Pastor Grace Imathiu of First United Methodist, Rev. Dr. Ray Hylton of First Presbyterian, Rev. Dr. Ann Rosewald of First Congregational Church of Evanston, Rabbi Andrea London of Beth Emet, the Free Synagogue, Rev. Eileen Wiviott of Evanston Unitarian Church and Rev. Pam Voves of St Paul’s Lutheran Church.
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The funds being raised will enable IAE to continue its policy of keeping shelter doors open every night from mid-November to mid-March, providing life-saving shelter to those without homes during the five coldest months of the year.
Participation in the Walk for Warmth is open to anyone. Many of the more than 40 faith communities which comprise IAE have assembled teams of walkers, including people of all ages. This family-friendly event will begin and end at First United Methodist Church, 516 Church St, where hot chocolate will be dispensed to walkers. Both older and younger walkers can choose to walk all or part of the route. Walkers can still register to participate on the day of the event, at First United Methodist.
