Planning is under way for our annual WALK on Sunday, October 9, 2011. If you would like to help, contact Bill Wenzell at 313.494.4343.

Last year's event was wonderful! It was a perfect fall day for a four-mile walk and the camaraderie that develops when people who believe in our mission get together.

The 2010 program featured Andrew Humphrey, Emmy award-winning meteorologist for WDIV Channel 4, as the master of ceremonies.

Sunshine, grilled food, and activities for the children marked the day which has become a rich tradition at Focus: HOPE. The WALK route has varied in recent years to travel into the neighborhoods around the campus that the organization is helping revitalize. In years past, it traveled eight miles along Woodward and West Grand Boulevard or all the way south on Woodward from the State Fair grounds to Hart Plaza.

Regardless of the route, the walk is reminiscent of early civil rights marches and is an opportunity for people to gather together with the commitment to overcome racism, poverty and injustice.

The event began with a performance by the Southfield-Lathrup Marching Band, followed by a drumming circle where adults and children joined in drumming led by Lori Fithian of DrumUnity. The University of Michigan Fanfare Band led the way as the walk started. Later, The Gratitude Steel Band performed.

Focus: HOPE is grateful for the support of sponsors who made the event a tremendous success.
Denso Corporation, General Motors and Microsoft were the main Pacesetter sponsors and Blue Cross Blue Shield was a Hiker sponsor. Stride sponsors included Hillers, Illitch Holdings, and MGM Grand Casino Detroit.

Stroll sponsors were Children's Hospital of Michigan, Clark Hill, Chrysler Corporation, E.C.S. McDonald's Partnership, George Johnson & Company, Michigan First Credit Union, Public Service Credit Union, and Walsh College. Health Alliance Plan and Skillman Foundation were supporter sponsors.

In-kind sponsors included: APAC Paper and Packaging Corporation, Cashland, Creative Marketing, Craig-Richards Promotional Items, Detroit Fire Department, Detroit Junior Police Cadets, Detroit Police Department, Ford Motor Company, FUZE, Gordon Food Service, Historic Boston-Edison Neighborhood Association, Pepsi Bottling Group, Shop Rat Foundation, Southfield Lathrup High School Marching Band, Uncle Rays LLC, University of Michigan Fanfare Band, University of Michigan Ross School of Business and Wolverine Packing Company.