Walk a Thon

On Saturday, September 24th, Casia Moffatt’s dream of “doing something to help the environment” came true. The Walk-A-Thon for Genesee Land Trust, which took place at Ellison Park, brought together old members and new, Moffatt’s classmates and friends as well as passers by enjoying a stroll in the park on a sunny day. All converged to walk or jog the two mile or four mile trails markedwith green ribbons by Moffatt. Arlene and Christine Moffatt (Casia’s grandmother and mother, respectively) got into the act by bringing baked goods, soft drinks and bottled water. While teens snacked, gearing up for the walk, they were given newsletters to take home and a straight from the heart pitch by Casia Moffatt on why Genesee Land Trust is important to all of us.

This young woman’s enthusiasm and desire to help first came to the attention of executive director,Gay Mills last spring when Moffatt called inquiring about volunteer opportunities. Soon she found herself accompanying Mills on field trips to potential easement property, shoulder high in corn fields and loving every minute of it. Next Moffatt was given the task to archive all the Trust’s press clippings and photos from 2005, the Anniversary Year, no small task given the many walks and work parties that took place. It was during a bulk mailing party at 500 East Ave. that Moffatt expressed her desire and confidence that she could organize a special event to raise funds – A Walk-A-Thon. Assistant director, Margaret Potter took her up on it and gave her a bulleted list of “Things To Do” from defining the event, finding the locale, seeking funding sources, recruiting volunteers, all out promotion, marking the trails – talking the talk and walking the walk.

One by one Casia Moffatt completed the list of duties, independently, including meeting with the Rochester Area Community Foundation for support, convincing her tennis coach to have the team use the walk as a practice, hanging posters, sending emails to Trust volunteers and teaching her friends what a land trust is. By the end of the day, on September 24th, this industrious young adult with the engaging smile had something to shout about – she had raised over $1,000 for Genesee Land Trust.

“Casie is the kind of young person that makes one feel optimistic about the future, says, Margaret Potter. All agree that Genesee Land Trust is fortunate to have Casia Moffatt on our team.

For more information on any of these events or to volunteer, please call 256-2130 or send e-mail to info@geneseelandtrust.org. For maps go to www.geneseelandtrust.org.