Dear Friends and Family,

See me in the picture? Last year it rained the entire 20 miles and I loved every step.

I am late to fundraising because I didn't have any time to train except for the normal dog walking, but I am going to attempt this hike again. The description of this years hike is strenous. The first several miles is called the rollar coaster because the path follows the side ridges of the Blue Ridge with lots of ups and downs. We will hike through three states-Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland.

This year I am helping as the sweeper because I am slow. Slow and steady........

For many years, I have helped with Micah's backpack. Packing food for children who over the weekend may not have any food when they are not in school getting breakfast and lunch. Nutrition is vital for learning, for moving, for having joy. The funds we raise on this walk will also support HARC (Hagerstown Area Religious Council) many other programs.

So......Welcome to my fundraising page! Please help.

;m passionate about supporting HARC and Micah's Backpack by hiking a very challenging 20 mile section of the Appalacian trail in one day.

I believe in HARCs mission and am proud;to be raising funds to support their important programs such as Micah'ss backpack (now serving more than 1,200 children each week with nutritious meals for the weekends), the Refugee Welcome Network, Equity in Education Scholarship, and childhood education and well-being programs. Our Washington County, Maryland community benefits greatly from HARC's good work.This year, once I raise $200, everything above that will be matched 2-1 by the God's Grace Fund. This means your donation could be TRIPLED.  Please help us break records this year with this incredibly generous matching opportunity to sustain and grow HARCs work in the community.

Thank you for all your support in the past and for this hike.

Truly appreciated.

Blessings.

A serious hike for adventurous people who want to support a good cause!  This year’s hike will be on the Appalachian Trail starting at Snicker's Gap (Rt 7) in Virginiain Maryland, hiking through West Virginia, and ending just outside of Harper's Ferry in Maryland.  

Proceeds will benefit HARC programs, with a significant portion directed to Micah’s Backpack, which provides nutritious food to food-insecure children in Washington County, MD and the Refugee Welcome Network.  Micah’s Backpack is a collaborative effort between 50 churches and organizations in Washington County, serving more than 1,200 children with weekend meals.  The Refugee Welcome Network exists to support refugees new to the U.S. and Washington County who are unstable and seeking self-sufficiency and friendship.  OtherHARC initiatives include childhood education and well-being programs, justice initiatives including an Equity in Education scholarship program, strengthening houses of worship and building interfaith relationships.

The Hagerstown Area Religious Council (HARC) is a coalition of faith community partners in Washington County, Maryland.  While HARC’s partner congregations can differ greatly on theology, all agree on loving our neighbor and working together to build a better community, help those in need, and support one another.

We believe in the power of faith communities working together.

We believe in nurturing the unlimited potential of every child.

We believe all people have equal value and are loved by God.

We believe in equipping one another to create stronger houses of worship.

Some of our Programs:

Micah's Backpack - 50 different churches and organizations providing weekend meals for more than 1,200 children each week.

Refugee Welcome Network - welcoming and assisting refugees as they work to become part of our community and gain independence.

Interfaith Team - provideding opportuntiies to learn about different faiths and build relationships, while promoting peace and understanding.

Equity in Education Scholarship - providing financial and mentorship support to racially diverse individuals as they work to attain their degrees in education.

Washington County Black Professionals Network (WCBPN) - providing connections and networking opportunities for Blacks of the African diaspora in Washington County, MD, and uplifting Black-owned businesses.

Learning Parties - promoting young children’s development of school readiness skills through supporting and guding parents.

NEW! After School program coming in 2024.

Learn more at https://harccoalition.org/

• Flying Frank donated $200.00 May 13, 2024 ... "My the Force be with you."
• Mudder donated $100.00 May 15, 2024 ... "You go, girl’"
• Greta donated $100.00 May 13, 2024
• Tina donated $50.00 May 17, 2024 ... "the BEST sister - you are amazing!"
• Max walkers donated $50.00 May 16, 2024 ... "You go girl!"
• Karen O donated $50.00 May 15, 2024 ... "I admire your determination and support of our neediest in the Hagerstown area!!"
• Super Silver Old Lady GaGa!!! donated $25.00 May 14, 2024 ... "Go get 'em. Arleen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
• Martin donated $20.00 May 18, 2024 ... "Enjoy your hike 😊"