YMCA Walk/Run celebrates Sweet 16

MARQUETTE — An annual fundraiser for a local non–profit is celebrating it’s Sweet 16 next week.

The YMCA of Marquette County is holding their annual Walk and Run next Saturday. Officials say the fundraiser encompasses the non–profit’s three areas of development – youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Money raised will go towards a fund to help families in the community.

Interim Director for the YMCA and Race Director Jenna Zdunek says, “All proceeds raised go to our annual financial assistance, our scholarship campaign. So members of our community can take part in The Y that wouldn’t normally be able to afford it through membership and programs, and that’s for any age – for youth, families adults and seniors.”

Zdunek is currently wearing a couple hats; She was recently named interim director of the YMCA and is currently the race director. Zdunek has organized the past 13 YMCA Walks which have provided her many fond memories.

“Oh gosh, 13 years as the race director, there’s been a lot of memories. I think there are some funny ones like shoveling the parking lot at 4:00 a.m. and the rain and just… I love starting out with the kids and the one mile, and this little boy asked me, you I said ,’Is everyone excited? Is everyone Ready?’ and he said back to me, ‘Are you excited?’ And I said, ‘Yes I am.’ It was just the cutest moment.”

All ages are welcome to participate in the different walks along Lake Superior.

This year’s spsonsors for the walk are:

Major Sponsor – Advanced Center for Orthopedics
5K Run Sponsor – UP Health Systems
5K Walk Sponsor – Getz’s
10K Run Sponsor – Upper Peninsula Health Plan
Dental Associates, Honor Credit Union, Yoop-Phoria, MC Sports, Riverside Auto, Double Trouble DJs, Main Street Pizza

For more information on the walk click here.