CPC Member walks 250 miles to raise funds for local causes

A big THANK YOU to Mickey for coming up with this idea to support local causes and for selecting CAP/CPC to be one of them. In addition to helping raise these funds, Mickey is an avid participant in the Calaveras Planning Coalition. She provided the letter below summarizing her experience. Thank you Mickey!

Mickey Williamson/ October 9, 2023

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

One day in June I was contemplating one of my all-time favorite quotes by theologian Frederick Buechner. It comes from a series of alphabetical reflections, this one called “Vocation.” He says: “The place God calls you to is where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”

I thought, “my deep gladness is walking and hiking.” The deep hungers of the world that most speak to me now are saving the planet from climate change and protecting our democracy. So it occurred to me that I could walk to raise money for organizations that are in some way addressing those issues. And they should be local groups that I know and trust and am part of.

The idea was born to count all my exercise and hiking miles in July, August, and September, asking friends to support me with donations or pledges. I put out emails and messages on Facebook and the support came in. But I had no idea how great that support would be!

My total mileage on September 30 was 250 miles, and my 39 supporters (friends, family, members of the three groups, even people from places like Massachusetts and Florida!) made it possible for me to raise $8000!

The church, the Community Action Project/Calaveras Planning Coalition, and a local political party each received a check for $2700. And I got a lot of good exercise on beautiful early morning walks with my spouse! 

It’s a lesson for all of us: when those very clear ideas drop in unexpectedly, it’s a direct message that is meant for me, is important in our world, and will be effortless. I’m so glad I was listening.

And a big hug to each of those 39 who were walking with me virtually through their donations.