Chicago CROP Hunger Walk

Chicago CROP Hunger Walk History

CHICAGO CROP HUNGER WALK HISTORY FOR 28 YEARS & COUNTING

The Chicago Crop Walk is one of the few 10K (6.2 mile) walks in the country to re-enact the walk millions must make each day for basic water and food.  We truly want to "walk in their footsteps" and share their journey.  The walk requires extra effort and time, but we want to "walk the walk" for one day and raise awareness to their suffering and sacrifice in a world of mercy and plenty.  We also offer a 'golden mile' walk for those unable to complete the 10K.  We walk because they walk!

1983
The first "Greater Chicago Hunger Walkathon" was held in conjunction with the Mother's Day Peace March on May 8, 1983. Walkers went a short 22 blocks and raised $10,600.
1984
The "Greater Chicago Hunger Walkathon" came into its own with Mayor Harold Washington as Honorary Chair and lead-off speaker/walker. The Walk was launched in Lincoln Park and was a long 10 miles! Nearly 1000 people walked and raised $26,385.
1985-1988
The GCHW was held the first Sunday of each May from "Cricket Hill" at Montrose Beach Park; during those years the number of walkers ranged from 760 to 1200, and the money raised each year averaged $37,577.
1989
New location and best year ever!! Held in the Humboldt Park and Garfield Park neighborhoods, some 1056 walkers from 82 churches, schools and organizations raised more than $54,000!!
1990
Humboldt Park and Garfield neighborhoods. More than 1000 people raised $51,000. The Walk incorporated a Hunger Run, and drew sponsorships from major corporations, Chicago media, as well as from Mayor Daley who served as the Walk and Run Honorary Chairperson.
1991
Chinatown! and a great walk on May 5th. Recruitment Core Committees brought in many new churches for participation. Over 1,100 walkers raised a record $62,491.00.
1992
The Walk moved from Spring to Fall - October 18th, on the Near West Side beginning at Old St. Patrick's Church. Approximately 825 walkers braved the crisp fall day to raise over $49,000.
1993
New Name! The "Chicago Hunger Walk" took place on October 17th, with step-off at Old St Patrick's Church. Lots of surprises...media sponsors, Jesse White Tumblers, bands, tee-shirts! The Walk raised $55,000.
1994-1996
New location, new excitement...The "Chicago CROP Hunger Walk" started and ended at the Chicago Merchandise Mart, and Executive V.P. of the Mart, Christopher Kennedy was host. The Klingons "invaded" the Walk and became our special "Armada" of workers. The three Mart Walks averaged 1000 walkers/$57,800 each.
1997
The CROP Walk was held at the DePaul Center on State Street. More than 960 walkers raised $60,900. A new record was set by Mother McAuley High School, bringing 393 young women to walk and raising $13,780 of the total!
1998-2000
The Chicago Temple / First United Methodist Church becomes the new CROP Walk home with step-off next door at Miro Plaza. The 1999 Walk set a new record at $65,000 raised, and that total climbed to $73,000 in 2000!
2001
New location on UIC Campus- the gorgeous October Walk Day Drew about 1,000 walkers and raised $78,600.
2002
20th Anniversary Walk. Wow... almost 1000 (984) walkers gathered and raised $66,573.
2003
Gorgeous weather, great Walk! Thanks to 905 walkers and 106 volunteers from 73 different churches, schools, and organizations a total of $67,071.73 was raised to fight hunger.
2004
We had a wonderful Walk but attendance and funds were down. Approximately 650 walkers raised $46,762.00.
2005
Our numbers were down but our energy was high. 595 Walkers raised $45,655.
2006
CROP became "Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty". Chicago walkers raised $64,237 with 685 Walkers.
2007
Chicago celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Chicago CROP Hunger Walk. This was a record setting year. The event raised $82,430 with 1200 walkers. We ranked #1 in the nation for online giving with $19,679 raised online. This was also the year that Church World Service celebrated the 60th Anniversary of CROP. What a great year!
2008
The 2008 event had 714 CROP Hunger Walkers and we raised $61,530. We saw a wonderful and exciting increase in youth participation through Service Learning. Chicago Walkers also ranked #1 in the region for online giving a second year in a row! $15,383 in local hunger agency grants were distributed to Chicago hunger agencies.
2009
The 2009 CROP Walk had about 900 walkers and raised $59,870.62. We had the Jesse White tumblers come again to cap the show. The weather was nice, but a little windy in the Windy City.
2010
Ending Hunger- One Step at a Time on October 17, 2010! Join Us!


For information: (toll free) 1-888-CWS-CROP or log on: www.chicagocropwalk.org

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CWS Homepage | Regional Office Toll-free 888.CWS.CROP

Church World Service works with partners to eradicate hunger and poverty and to promote peace and justice around the world.

Recognized as one of America's Most Efficient Charities, Church World Service has earned an A rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy
and was named one of the Top 100 Highly Rated Charities by GiveSpot.com.

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