Capuchin Event Supports Outreach in the Hudson Valley and Beyond

WHITE PLAINS, NY–June 15, 2024– On June 15th, at Archbishop Stepinac High School, White Plains, NY, the friars of the Capuchin Province of St Mary will join with friends and supporters in the Heart & Sole Walk-A-Thon to fight poverty. Proceeds from the event will support the province’s Capuchin Family Ministries’ summer programs, which provide opportunities for teen and adult volunteers to repair homes, build beds for children, visit the elderly and sick, and minister to the homeless in the Hudson Valley and Appalachia.

“In our own country families are struggling, and we’re giving people a chance to help,” shared Fr. Michael Greco, OFM, Cap., Development Director for the province. “$100 will help our outreach team provide clothing and household supplies for 2 families, $120 buys plywood to make a set of bunkbeds for siblings, and $500 will replace a hot water heater,” explained Fr. Michael. “This event will not only be fun, but will really make a difference in people’s lives!”

In addition to raising funds for materials and other program costs, the Heart & Sole Capuchin Walk-a-Thon also aims to raise awareness about how these programs offer the chance to grow participants’ faith through service to others. “For over 30 years the Capuchin Friars have been leading groups of volunteers of all ages to assist people in need both locally and in the Appalachian region,” shared Fr. Michael. “This ministry has proven life-changing for all involved.”

Cost to register for the event is $25, or $20 for those who register before 5/24/2024. Registrants may sign up individually, as a team, or as an event sponsor by going to: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/heartsolecapuchinwalk-a-thon/. Those who register will receive email confirmation with a link to create a fundraiser, after which they can click the ‘Start a Fundraiser’ button to create a personal or team fundraiser.

“This Walk-a-thon promises to be a truly fun morning,” said Fr. Michael. “We hope many will join us that day or support the walkers with donations!”

About Capuchin Family Ministries

Capuchin Family Ministries (CFM) reaches out to young people and their families through retreats, parish ministry, and service to the poor. Programs to fight poverty include the Capuchin Appalachian Mission (CAM) that helps the underserved in Harlan, Kentucky, and Summer Outreach Week (SOW) serving those in need in the Hudson Valley area. Both programs rely on youth and adult volunteers, and donor support.

More information on CFM programs can be found at https://www.capuchin.org/cfm/.

About the Capuchin Province of St Mary

Established in 1952 as a Province of the Capuchin Franciscan Order in the United States, The Province of St. Mary covers an area that includes New York, New England, and the mission territories of the Mariana Islands and Japan. Friars of the Province of St. Mary live and minister in many fraternities and parishes throughout the province.

For more information on the Capuchin Province of St. Mary, go to https://www.capuchin.org/.