Peggy McGee
Mark your calendars for Nov. 2 for the first-ever Valley Assistance Services (VAS) Day of the Dead Benefit Walk. The event will be held at Quail Creek Municipal Park. Check-in/registration runs from 7:15 to 7:55 a.m. The opening ceremony, which includes warm-up exercises, will start at 7:45 a.m., and the walk begins at 8 a.m.
The walk will offer both 1- and 2-mile routes on fairly level terrain. The walk begins in the park and goes up Quail Crossing Blvd., aka the Road to Walmart, walking path. The turn-around point for the 2-mile route will be at the trailhead. Water will be available at both turn-around points.
Participation fees for the walk are $25 per adult and $10 per student 18 years and under. If you are not able to walk that day but still want to contribute to VAS, which provides programs and services to low-income seniors and families in the local area, consider becoming a virtual walker for a $25 donation. The first 150 paying entrants will receive a water bottle holder, complete with water. Virtual walkers may pick up the water bottle holder at VAS, 3950 S. Camino Del Heroe in the Springs HOA. Dogs on a leash are welcome to walk, too. There is no fee for dogs.
Because the event is on the Day of the Dead, VAS encourages the wearing of costumes for both humans and dogs. Prizes will be awarded for the winners as determined by the esteemed judges, Sahuarita Mayor Tom Murphy; Kevin Murphy, NABUR editor; and Patti Sherman, manager, Nancy Pantz.
Another way to support VAS would be to remember or honor a loved one with an In Memory Of or In Honor Of donation of $100. All those recognized will be listed on a sign at the event.
There will also be a 50/50 raffle, with the winning name drawn at the closing ceremony. Tickets to win a 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Plug-in Hybrid, first class tickets for two to anywhere in the world that commercial flights go, or $5,000 in cash will also be available. Winners for this raffle will be drawn on Dec. 12.
Light breakfast snacks and beverages from the Valley Galley Food Truck will be available for purchase.
To register online, go to www.valleyassistanceservices.org. Registration forms are available at Nancy Pantz, Green Valley/Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce, and VAS.
For additional information, please call VAS at 520-625-5966.