Crop Walk, Witches Hollow Run raise money for local organizations, causes (Nov. 3)
By: Marisa Maldonado
The past two weekends were both fun and profitable for two area organizations.
The fourth annual Witches Hollow Run, held Sunday raised $16,000 for the Millstone Township Boosters Club, which funds improvements to the Millstone Township Middle School athletic program.
Co-chairman Bob Levine said the money raised by about 600 walkers and runners will go toward funding a high jump pit for the school’s track team and uniforms for the boys lacrosse team. The group tries to fund whatever improvements the sports teams need, Mr. Levine said.
"We have an ongoing dialogue with the athletic director," said Mr. Levine.
The 29th annual nationwide Crop Walk, sponsored locally by 10 area churches, raised $37,000 for both Christian World Services, a national organization that donates money for hunger relief to various countries, and the Good Neighbor Network, a local charity that helps local families in need.
"People have trouble with bills, with food and stuff like that. That fund helps them out," said Alan Chech, walk organizer for the Allentown Presbyterian Church. "It gets depleted every year, so I’m sure (the money) is used."
The Good Neighbor Network currently needs food donations for its pantry, which is based out of the Presbyterian church. Residents can donate through local Boy Scout troops, which will drop off bags at homes in Allentown and Upper Freehold the week of Nov. 7. Residents can fill the bags with food, and the sScouts will return to collect them on Nov. 12.
Residents also can drop off canned food, nonperishable items, turkeys and chickens at the church, which is located at 20 High St. reet in Allentown, between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
The Crop Walk, which is the second largest of its kind in the state, attracted 80 people for its miniwalk in the morning and 150 people for the 5K walk and run in the afternoon. Both Crop Walk routes started and ended at Hope Fire Company on Main Street.
Mr. Chech said he was grateful for the sunny skies that day.
"It was a monsoon the day before," Mr. Chech said. "But it cleared up nicely for the walk on Sunday."
For the first year, dogs could be sponsored walkers, Mr. Chech said. The top fundraising dog, Teddy, is owned by the Harshman family in Hamilton. Teddy raised $185.
The Witches’ Hollow run also had some unconventional entrants. Five-year-old Christopher Netto was the youngest participant in the 5K run.
Both walks have had successful outcomes in the past. The Witches’ Hollow Run last year raised money for lacrosse equipment and hurdles, discus, shot puts and jerseys for the middle school’s track team.
The Boosters also are always looking for new members, Mr. Levine said. Those interested in joining can call Mr. Levine at (732) 446-0817.
Crop Walk organizers still are counting the money raised from the event. Allentown resident Scott Kelly raised the most money, collecting $2,000 in sponsorships, and had the most individual donors.
The churches also received $17,000 in donations from local businesses for the Crop Walk, including baked goods from A&M Farm Market in Washington Township and drinks from Acme, Marazzo’s Thriftway, and Shop-Rite.
The Crop Walk is a good opportunity for all the local churches to unite for a common cause, Mr. Chech said.
"It’s one of the last remaining ecumenical things that the churches do together," Mr. Chech said. "They don’t get together for too many things."

