MORGANTOWN — Following in the footsteps of her brother Robert and her cousin Katie, Margaret Warner is helping plan the ninth annual Julie Foster Hawk Walk, set for 1-2:30 p.m. Sept. 21.
A senior at University High School, Warner has participated in the walk in the past and volunteered her junior year. This year, the walk will fund the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Previous walks have benefited organizations aimed at researching diseases and disorders such as cancer and autism, as well as relief efforts for those affected by flooding in southern West Virginia.
Started by former student Lizzy Kolar, the Hawk Walk was originally created to help with the cost of medical bills for teacher Julie Foster, who was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. After Foster passed away, the event continued with the goal to make a positive difference in others’ lives.
Warner has been busy meeting with businesses to encourage them to sponsor the event, as well as explaining the walk to students and encouraging their participation.
“It’s a lot of involvement in the school and with administration, planning meetings and going to talk to teachers and lots of adults to make sure the event goes smoothly,” Warner said.
This year, the goal is set at 330 participants, basing off of past years. The donation goal is $100 per walker. Registration is $10, which is what most students end up paying, Warner said. Business donations are $50. Participants will also receive a T-shirt.
“Typically, each student pays about $10 and any extra donations come from students who worked to get the fundraising goal or other outside sources,” Warner said.
Participants will walk the cross-country course at UHS, which is just over three miles. There will also be yard games to play. And if weather becomes an issue, a course will be planned inside the school.
“I think it encourages community involvement, and we realize that not everyone may be as blessed as some of us are to not have to think about stuff like financial burdens or medical bills,” she said. “I think participation in it just helps get a perspective that you have the ability to help those around you, even if it’s something as simple as donating to a walk.”
