Annual Spring Walk
Against Child Abuse and
Read Across America

It was a rainy and gray day last Saturday morning, but that didn't keep over 50 students, faculty, and staff members from gathering under the breezeway between the Taylor Education Building and Dickey Hall for the eighth annual Walk Against Child Abuse. Conditions kept the anticipated turnout of walkers lower than usual, but the event still managed to raise over $500 for the Center for Women, Children and Families in Lexington.

In addition to dozens of students, the walk welcomed several special guests including Donna Smith and UK basketball coach Tubby Smith. Donna Smith is an active supporter of the center and has been involved in a number of organizations providing support for Lexington families. Accompanying the Smiths was Donna Hall, chair of the center's board of trustees. Mayoral candidates Teresa Isaac and Jim Gray expressed their thanks to the students for their participation in the walk and applauded the College of Education's outreach efforts throughout Fayette County.

Lucian Taylor, a faculty member from the department of Kinesiology and Health Promotions, again led walkers in several minutes of warm up exercises before the walk took place. As always, it was the highlight of the entire event and the organizers express their thanks to Dr. Taylor for the donation of his sound equipment.

A special note of thanks goes out to the following people who helped organize the Walk Against Child Abuse this year: Valerie Ramsey, Melody Moeller, Milika King, Brooke Wesley, Matt Hoard, Jo Smith, Terri Seay, Debbie Florez, Cindi Jefferson, and Wayne Harvey.

The organizers also extend their sincere thanks to the following local businesses who donated food or prizes in support of the 2002 Walk Against Child Abuse: Bella Note, Applebee's, Chili's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Roly-Poly, Chick-Fil-A, Dawahare's, Papa John's, PetSmart, Fayette Mall, Barnes and Noble, Logan's Roadhouse, Atlanta Bread Company, Pizza Magia, Cookie Cutters, Honey Baked Ham, Qdoba, Mad Mushroom, Courtyard Deli, Home City Ice, and finally, to the Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling Department for their donation of several 2-liter bottles of soda pop.

For those people who, due to the weather conditions or other conflicts, were unable to attend the Walk Against Child Abuse, contributions to support the Center for Women Children and Families are still being accepted. Checks payable to the center or donations can be dropped off at Wayne Harvey's office at 105 Taylor Education Building.

Updated by the Webmaster on February 21, 2003 9:15 - Send news information to Josh Shepherd