Whether you come to walk in support of your favorite local nonprofit organization or for ensuing fun, the 7th annual Summit for the Planet Walk-a-thon and Earth Day Celebration offers something for all ages. The celebration will feature solar vehicle races, ‘eco-carnival’ games, live animals, community networking, ‘green’ businesses, live music, and delicious, organic foods – including ice cream from Santa Cruz’s Penny Ice Creamery!
Planned for Saturday, April 27 from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm (walk-a-thon registration begins at 9:00 am and the walk, promptly at 9:50 am), Summit for the Planet is a free fundraising event to support local environmental and educational organizations.
“It’s much better than selling cooking dough or wrapping paper,” comments Pamela Blunden, MMS event coordinator and alumni parent. “Organizations are able to retain a higher percentage of the money raised, and it’s good for the environment. This format allows people of all ages to spend time together outdoors in a beautiful natural setting, while also raising money for a cause that is important to them!”
For nonprofit groups, determining how to successfully meet annual fundraising goals can be difficult and time-consuming– and frequently not a lot of fun. In talking with other schools and groups about fundraising, Blunden says she is repeatedly hearing how more and more families are steering away from having to participate in door-to-door sales. “With Summit for the Planet, walkers don’t have to go door to door! Instead they can utilize social media – or just make a phone call – to seek support from friends, family, or even grandma and grandpa on the East Coast. Pledging support is convenient and easy from any location via the Summit for the Planet website.”
Celebration participants will spotlight sustainable ‘eco-living’ and education, and represent a broad range of environmentally-focused businesses and nonprofits, from the Friends of the Sea Otter to Ceiba Charter to Sulphur Creek Nature Center, Silicon Valley Flex Academy, Elkhorn Trading Company, Ragged Thistle, and the Bat Conservancy of Central California, Attendance at this annual event has grown to some 500 people of all ages, from across south Silicon Valley and the Monterey Bay areas.
The support of key sponsors is essential to this event. Event organizers are honored that numerous local businesses have offered support, including presenting sponsors, the Michael Lee Environmental Foundation and SunRidge Farms.
Things to know when you go:
7th annual Summit for the Planet Walk-a-thon and Earth Day Celebration, April 27 from 9:00am-1:30pm*. Hosted by Mount Madonna School, 491 Summit Road, Mount Madonna. Free event. For more information or to sponsor a walker, visit: SummitforthePlanet.org and on Facebook at facebook.com/summitfortheplanet, or email Pamela Blunden at .
*Walk-a-thon participants must pre-register; registration begins at 9:00am; the walk begins at 9:50am.
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Contact: Leigh Ann Clifton, Media & Public Relations,
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