Despite Saturday's colder temperatures and overcast conditions, the third annual Walk For Kids! hosted by the Ball State chapter of College Mentors for Kids! saw more non-mentor participation this year than in previous years.
"Most of the people were college students and their families," events coordinator Shauna Lange said.
Attendance was better among non-mentors, CMFK! president Elizabeth Koester said.
"The turnout made me happy," Koester said.
The walk raised more than $630 for the organization, but less than what was raised in previous years, Koester said. An exact total will not be available until later in the week.
The walk was successful for how cold it is outside, business major and mentor Mandy Zimmerman said.
The three-mile course started at the Scramble Light and ended at the Cooper Science Complex, where participants took advantage of the chance to rest after the walk.
Tables of refreshments filled the lobby of the Cooper Science Complex, awaiting the participants' return. The first three participants to return received Ball State T-shirts donated by Dixie Denton. Stephanie Oberley traveled from New Haven to show support for her niece, who is a student at Ball State. She also participated for the exercise.
Sponsors for the walk included Kevin Dodd of Marsh Supermarket, Lances, Papa Johns, Fazoli's, Burger King and Panera Bread in Anderson.
Founded in 2001, CMFK! is designed to match college mentors with students from two local elementary schools. Students from Eaton and Albany Elementary schools receive one-on-one mentoring at Ball State with a CMFK member. The program is designed to help the elementary students become more involved in their community, cultural activities and higher education opportunities through CMFK! activities.
Mentors join CMFK! for a variety of reasons.
"I wanted to get in an organization where I could interact with children, and I happened to find CMFK!" elementary education major and mentor Lindsey Koetter said. To psychology major and mentor Jennifer Lambert, CMFK! sounded like a fun volunteer program.
The student group's next event is an awards banquet April 30 at the Outback Steakhouse.
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