Powder River Examiner -

By PR Extension Office

Steps for Charity is gearing up for another successful, step-filled event. Steps for Charity, sponsored by Powder River Trails and MSU Extension Service, motivates people to walk and raises funds to support local charities. Last year, over 150 people walked, increasing their physical activity and raising over $1,500 for charities.

Businesses and organizations are again encouraged to sponsor a team. Last year, Broadus IGA, Boot & Tack, Denbury, Five Star Roustabout, DV Bar Welding & Fabrications, The CornerStore, Gone Ropin’ Construction and Powder River Lanes all sponsored teams. Youth organizations like Teen 4-H and Mizpah Masters 4-H Club also got into the game and sponsored teams. A team consists of 4 people or $40, $10 for each walker.

“Every charity wins this year,” explained Karen Amende, Powder River Trails member, “half of the registration fee will go directly to the charity selected by the team and half of the registration fee will be split by the charities selected by the top three winning teams.”

Teams track their steps from February 1st to March 31st. The top three teams with the most steps choose which charity will receive the remaining registration pot in a 50-30-20 split.

“The money for charities provides a little extra incentive for teams to get out and walk,” explained Katie Ward, another member of the Powder River Trails organization, the group working with the MSU Extension Service Office to organize and promote the walking program.

If individuals want to participate, but don’t have a team, call the Extension Office. Extension staff will help create teams.

The Broadus High School hallways will again be available for walking from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., and 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, beginning February 3rd .

To register for Steps for Charity or to donate to the walking program to motivate others to walk, contact the Extension Office at 436-2424 or go to http://www.powderrivertrails.com.