Courtesy PR Extension Service

Thirty-one, four-member, teams tracked their steps in February and March as part of the Steps for Charity Challenge. Super Troopers, the winning team, who include John and Kristy Elgin and Sherry and Coaly Huckins, walked 3.5 million steps or an average of 14,238 steps each day. The Lance Lawrence Charity of Forsyth will receive $310 to support a young, 4-year old boy, Lance, in his battle with cancer. This third annual event, Steps for Charity, sponsored by Powder River Trails and MSU Extension Service-Powder River County, raises funds for local charities and motivates people to walk.

In second place was 5 Star Roustabout’s TEAM JOE, including Spencer Fortner, James Cottle, Robin Reames and Joe Fortner. St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Team Joe’s charity, will receive $186 for Team Joe’s strong showing of 3 million total steps and an average of 12,312 steps per day.

Third place goes to Broadus Boot and Tack’s BOOT SCOOTIN’ RAMBLERS. Team members are Jeanne Sparks, Don Rogge, Caeligh McCarthy and Nicholas Knoblauch, who walked 2.9 million total steps or 12,137 average steps per member. The Ramblers chose the Powder River Trails organization, which will receive $124.

In all, thirteen different charities were chosen, and each charity will receive at least $20, or half of a team’s event registration fee. The benefitting charities include the Amanda Gaskill Spay & Neuter Fund, the Biddle Community Heritage Center, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Broadus Cancer Fund, Broadus Volunteer Fire Department Fund, Food Bag Friday Foundation, Mom’s Club of Southeastern Montana, Powder River Senior Center, St. Vincent De Paul of Broadus and Wildland Firefighter Foundation.

“It’s increased my awareness of how many steps I get each day”, explained one participant.

“It gave me the motivation to keep moving throughout the day in order to get more steps and support my team. It also helped me overcome my tendency to hibernate this time of year!”, explained another.

Several businesses sponsored teams including 5 Star Roustabout, Broadus Boot and Tack, the CornerStore, Broadus Vet Clinic, Talcott Ranch, SC Livestock, Riley Ranch, MOMS Club of Southeastern MT, Mizpah Masters 4-H and Teen 4-H.

“We appreciate the support of each individual and businesses that helps make the Steps for Charity event a huge success”, explained Karen Amende, Powder River Trails member.