For the first time, supporters can choose to run or walk in Focus: HOPE’s 40th annual “Eleanor’s Walk for Hope,” presented by Troy-based Plastic Omnium. The event takes place on Sunday, October 12th and will include a 4-mile run through neighborhoods in Detroit and Highland Park, in addition to the 4-mile walk.
For the second year in a row, Plastic Omnium, a tier one supplier and global leader in exterior parts and fuel systems, is the lead sponsor for the Walk and Run with a generous $100,000 donation. Plastic Omnium has pledged a total contribution of $1 million toward Focus: HOPE’s mission. In addition, the company’s employees raise money throughout the year, volunteer, and participate in Eleanor’s Walk for Hope.
“We are extremely appreciative of Plastic Omnium’s substantial support and shared commitment to overcoming racism, poverty and injustice,” said Focus: HOPE CEO William F. Jones, Jr. “We are also excited about the addition of the 4-mile run to our annual event that brings together thousands of people of all races, ethnicities, cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. Every year we try to add something new, so as to attract even more people for a day that is both meaningful and fun.”
“Plastic Omnium is a huge supporter of Focus: HOPE’s efforts to provide opportunities for all and to educate the next generation workforce. The individuals who are trained by Focus: HOPE are the highly skilled workers that Plastic Omnium will need in the years to come as we continue to grow our presence here and around the world,” said Laurent Burelle, chairman and CEO of Plastic Ominum.
The October 12th event takes place on Focus: HOPE’s Detroit campus on Oakman Boulevard just east of Linwood. Runners can register online at www.focushope.edu/run for $25 until noon on Saturday, October 11. The registration fee is $30 on the day of the event. All runners will receive a special runners’ edition of the Eleanor’s Walk for Hope t-shirt.
This year, Focus: HOPE is encouraging participants in the 4-mile Walk to secure sponsorships of at least $25 from family, friends and colleagues. Participants who give at least $25 will receive an “Eleanor’s Walk for Hope” t-shirt. Walkers can participate as individuals or teams. More information is available at: www.focushope.edu/walk.
The day begins with registration at 11:00 a.m., followed by live entertainment, food and a brief program. The Run and Walk will kick off at 1:00 p.m.
Proceeds from the Run and Walk benefit Focus: HOPE’s life-changing education, career training, food, and community development programs — all designed to help individuals overcome racism and poverty. The career training programs have helped more than 12,000 people enter the financial mainstream, while the food program targets vulnerable low-income senior citizens and mothers and their children.
Last year, the annual event was renamed “Eleanor’s Walk for Hope,” in honor of the organization’s late co-founder Eleanor Josaitis, who loved the event because it brings together people from the city and suburbs of all ages, races, and ethnicities. Josaitis, who founded the organization with the late Father William Cunningham, passed away in 2011.
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