Traverse City Record-Eagle

Life

Related Photos

  • The Esperanza 5K, one-mile walk and fifth annual Fiesta 2010 on Saturday, Sept. 25, at the Grand Traverse Commons will raise money for Safe Passage. The nonprofit group works with at-risk children of impoverished families working as recyclers in Central America's largest landfill, seen here. Special to the Record-Eagle/Mike Ritter

    CSS4425.jpg

  • Safe Passage provides food, education and healthcare for children of families working at the Guatemala City garbage dump. Special to the Record-Eagle/Elizabeth Price

    CSS4420.jpg
September 15, 2010

Fiesta, run and walk to benefit Safe Passage

----

TRAVERSE CITY — Esperanza means hope. Hope is only part of what Safe Passage provides to impoverished families.

Great Lakes Friends of Safe Passage will hold the Esperanza 5K, one-mile walk and fifth annual Fiesta 2010 on Saturday, Sept. 25, at the Grand Traverse Commons. The nonprofit group, with chapters around the country, educates at-risk children of impoverished families working in the Guatemala City garbage dump.

As in past years, the Fiesta will include a Guatemalan craft market, food and live music. New this year is a 5K run/walk with runners participating in similar events around the world.

"All the money that we raise will help with literacy programs, helping the families that are in such terrible circumstances," said event co-chair Suzanne McCarthy, noting that local foods and beverages will be available from noon to 2 p.m. following the race that begins at 11 a.m.

McCarthy said the festivities taking place in Traverse City are a stark contrast to the place that will benefit from them.

"Visiting there is a complete shock. The level of poverty that families endure is unbelievable," said Sharon Workman, of Traverse City, a member of the board of Safe Passage who has traveled to the Central American country several times.

"It is hard to come out of there without great compassion and to want to do everything you can to continue the good things that Safe Passage has been able to accomplish," said Workman, who hopes that this year's Fiesta 2010 will top last year's total of $27,000. Since 2006, the local group has raised more than $130,000.

"Seeing what Safe Passage has done, providing food, education, health care, is inspiring. And to see the smiles on the people that are so grateful, it changes you," Workman said.

For more information, visit http://sites.google.com/a/safepassage.org/esperanza-5k/home/traversecity, e-mail greatlakesfriends@safepassage.org or call 590-6072.

Text Only