Hunger Walk donations nearing $30,000

Danette Goulet

NEWPORT BEACH -- More than 250 residents will take to the streets of

Newport Beach on Sunday afternoon to raise money for hungry people

worldwide, and in their own backyards.

Participants from 25 different community churches and organizations will

gather at St. Mark Presbyterian Church at Jamboree Road and East Bluff

Drive at 1 p.m., for the United Interfaith Hunger Walk. The 7K walk

begins and ends at the church, where there will be live music, games,

food and drinks.

Last year, the walk raised $25,000, averaging $100 per walker, said

organizer Bob Johnston.

This year’s goal is 350 walkers and $35,000.

“This year, walkers seem to be averaging $100 to $125 [in pledges],” he

said. “I think we’ve already passed $30,000, but the actual money comes

in on Sunday.”

The event has many sponsors, including Coca-Cola, Disneyland, Knott’s

Berry Farm, Hornblower Dining Yachts, with Wahoo’s Fish Taco providing

major support, Johnston said.

Of the money raised, 25% will stay local, benefiting the Share Our Selves

program, Jewish Family Services, O.C. Interfaith Shelter and Catholic

Worker. The remaining 75% will be spread worldwide.

“Any walker can designate where their funding goes internationally,”

Johnston said.

Participants will carry posters and banners displaying the groups they

represent.

“We have attempted to have representation from all different faiths, as

they are the main source of our funding,” Johnston said.

Johnston said anyone not signed up who wishes to participate can simply

show up Sunday with a donation and walking shoes.