United Ministries announces new name and look for October 25th signature event
September 28, 2015
GREENVILLE, SC – United Ministries is pleased to introduce the new name and look of its signature community-wide fundraising walk, the result of the organization’s rebranding of the event. Known as the Walk for the Homeless for the past 25 years, the event has been renamed the Transformation Walk. The new name better reflects the purpose of the fundraiser – to support the entire spectrum of United Ministries’ life-changing programs that equip vulnerable individuals to become independent and productive members of the Greenville community.
The Transformation Walk will be held Sunday, October 25, beginning at 2 p.m. at Fluor Field. Participants can enjoy food, music and family-friendly entertainment at the all new Transformation Celebration preceding the event from 12-2 p.m. and again following the walk.
“The Transformation Walk provides vital funding not just for our crisis assistance and homeless services, but also for our job skills training, adult education, and financial stability programs,” said Ethan Friddle, United Ministries’ interim Executive Director. “Direct aid is sometimes necessary, but opportunities for true transformation are created when we invite individuals to partner with us in pursuit of their employment and education goals.”
One of Greenville’s longstanding community events, the Transformation Walk brings together people from all walks of life to raise awareness about poverty and those who are in need of a “hand up” to make positive transitions in their lives. Beginning at Fluor Field, participants walk the three mile route that many people take when seeking assistance from valuable service agencies in downtown Greenville who are working to find solutions to poverty.
“We support the Transformation Walk and United Ministries because of their focus on addressing the root causes of poverty and equipping individuals for a productive and financially stable future,” said Erwin Maddrey who is co-chairing this year’s walk with his wife, Nancy. The Maddreys have generously issued a matching gift challenge to additional sponsors who step forward to assist United Ministries in meeting its sponsorship goal for the event.
Online registration for the Transformation Walk is now open at TransformationWalk2015.kintera.org. Participants are asked to donate or raise at least $20 to receive an event t-shirt and are encouraged to form teams of family members, co-workers or church or civic group members to seek sponsorships to benefit United Ministries’ important programs. Walkers can also participate in the #WhyWeWalk YouTube Challenge by making a short video following the criteria on the event site and posting it on YouTube prior to September 15.
“We are excited about the new name and look for our most significant fundraiser,” said Friddle. “The Transformation Walk allows everyone the opportunity to be actively engaged in improving the lives of others, which in turn brings about positive changes in our community.”
Major supporters for the Transformation Walk include Pacesetter sponsor Perrigo Company of SC and Stride sponsors Batteries Plus, Carolina Power, Keenan Suggs and South Carolina Tel-Con. Media sponsors include The Greenville News, HIS Radio and GSA Business.
