Team Walker’s Second Annual Walk a Great Success
On the picturesque Saturday morning of May 22nd, well over 400 participants gathered at Exchange Place in Jersey City to celebrate the second annual Walk for Team Walker, an organization created by brothers Jerry and Jasper Walker in 1996 to benefit and enrich the lives of Jersey City youth.
The
donations from this particular event will go towards helping Team Walker pay for its wonderful academic and recreation programs, including the free summer day camp offered in conjunction with the Jersey City Recreation Department.The event opened with registration at 9:30 A.M. Participants were able to begin their day with a mix of breakfast items, including bagels, muffins, coffee and juice. Each walker also received a free t-shirt to commemorate the occasion.
Jersey City mayor Jerramiah Healy cut the starting line at approximately 11 A.M, beginning a route that took walkers on a scenic stroll along the banks of the Hudson River. The length of the walk was roughly two miles, and walkers were greeted at the finish line by the enticing aroma of freshly grilled chicken sandwiches generously donated and prepared by Hudson Bread of North Bergen. No one left the Walk hungry.
In addition to a post-walk lunch, walkers were treated to a great amount of entertainment, including face painters, a balloon twister, and a Team Walker trivia booth, where contestants could win great prizes. Former Seton Hall University basketball star Luther Wright was on hand disc jockeying the event, providing walkers with music to wind down after the day’s events.Also in attendance were newly-appointed Seton Hall men’s basketball coach Kevin Willard, current Seton Hall player Jeff Robinson, and recent graduate John Garcia. Walking with his wife and children, Willard spoke to the crowd shortly before the walk began, and was seen interacting with walkers throughout the day.
Overall, this year’s walk was a smashing success, far exceeding the goals that were set by Team Walker. It was an event that will not only benefit the youth of Jersey City this year, but will continue to do so for years to come.


