Pictured here from left to right: DTE employees Sally Farnsworth and Barb Enos, HDC Executive Director Mary Ann Vandemark, and DTE employee Donna Hartman.

Detroit Edison had a team of 5 walkers join W4W.  Through the Walter J. McCarthy Volunteer Leadership Team Grant, the DTE Energy Foundation awards $1,500 on behalf of groups of five or more employees for participation in a community project with an eligible non-profit org.

First time participants from Frakenmuth:  Greg Rummel of Emil Rummel Insurance Agency, Inc and his son Jacob.

Previous Tuscola County Walk for Warmth event.

Pictured from left to right:  HDC Executive Director Mary Ann Vandemark, Senator James Barcia, Former State Senator Joel D. Gougeon at a previous Tuscola County Walk for Warmth.

Six parishioners that braved the cold to walk on behalf of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.  This organization generously approved a $1,200 matching grant funds to benefit HDC's Walk for Warmth progam.

Walk for Warmth 2007

The Human Development Commission (HDC) is very pleased to announce that its 14th Annual Walk For Warmth Campaign raised over $32,000 among all four counties. Tuscola raised $10,000, Huron $7,000, Sanilac $2,100 and Lapeer $13,000. In 2003, the walk raised $26,800, representing about a 23% increase in 2004. Caro's Schall Elementary School Penny Drive results are pending, Lapeer County is holding a luncheon in March, and additional matching funds may also be received to increase the total to nearly $35,000. Special thanks to the many volunteers, local merchants, and individuals who donated to this fund-raiser and made the HDC Walk For Warmth a success.

"This event has grown over the past 14 years and we are very appreciative of the community's support for Walk For Warmth," commented HDC Executive Director Mary Ann Vandemark. "Our goal is to not only help HDC raise money, but also increase awareness about home heating emergencies and the importance of helping others within our community." Despite the inclement weather, each county received full community support. Between the four counties, approximately two hundred participants braved the chilly one-mile walk on Saturday, February 21, 2004.

Simultaneous walks occurred in Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, and Tuscola counties. Participants volunteered from HDC and the community; each gathered pledges in advance and walked on a one-mile fixed route the day of the event. Those who raised pledges over $50 received a free Walk For Warmth T-shirt , compliments of Thumb-area car dealerships and Independent Bank East Michigan.

Human Development Commission (HDC) is one of 1,000 Community Action Agency members of the National Community Action Partnership. The Agency is dedicated to "Helping People and Changing Lives".

HDC offers nearly 70 programs and services for individuals and communities, helping them to secure the resources necessary for self-sufficiency and an improved quality of life.

Walk For Warmth donations are still being accepted and can be mailed to HDC, Attn: Ruthann Osterhout, 429 Montague Avenue; Caro, MI 48723. For further information, please call Ruthann Osterhout of HDC at (989) 673-4121. JOIN THE WALK FOR WARMTH AND STOMP OUT THE COLD FOR YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS!