"The 5th ANNUAL "DON'T FORGET US" WALKATHON was amazing!" Fran Alpert raved. Harvey Chesterman and Bonnie Segal co-chaired this past winter's hike which headed South for the Hills of Eilat.
The Walkathon committee included Fran and Bernie Alpert who initiated the first MELABEV Walkathon, along with their friends Norton and Rachel Wasserman in 2004. Judy Rosenberg, a recent olah and the Wassermans' daughter participated for the first time.
Before setting out on the multi-day trek Motti Zelikovitch, Director-General, led an opening ceremony at the plaza of the Jerusalem Theater followed by a mini-walk to the waiting buses which took some 150 walkers into the Negev. At the foot of Mount Masada, by the light of the full moon reflected against the chalk hills, members of the staff and volunteers strode with the hikers, who were accompanied by pipers on their halilim. The hardiest group then continued further south for a two-day trek in the hills of Eilat.
Walkers ranged from 17 to 77 years of age - and included family groups representing two or even three generations. They were able to choose from 3 trails: one for trekkers who appreciate a challenge, the second for hikers, and the third for sturdy walkers.
The registration fee covers only part of the actual cost of transportation, the guides, the medics, lodging and meals for two days. Therefore in addition to this fee, registered walkers pledged to raise additional funds in sponsorship donations to Melabev.
Proceeds of this past year's Walk went to supplementing the fees for families who are unable to pay the full costs of day care for their loved ones.
In conjunction with the annual trek, local gyms such as Jo's Club in Beith Shemesh and JUMP in Jerusalem have sponsored treadmill Walks which helped raise additional funds for the past two years. The community of Beit El held a mini-walk one year led by Debbie Dan, and two restaurants, Belinda's and Village Green presented a percentage of their profits during the time of the Walkathon to Melabev. On behalf of the families of Alzheimer's patients whom we serve, we are grateful for all the support.
If you missed last winter's Walkathon - Come and Join Us in 2009! We're doing a moonlight walk along the Mediterranean coast and then we will travel to the North of Israel.
SAVE THE DATE: December 1, 2009
Full details will be posted at: the Friends of Melabev web site
