The Aurora University Baseball program and Dunham Scholars from the AU Dunham School of Business teamed up to raise $1,326 for Wayside Cross Ministries and specifically the Walk-A-Mile fundraiser on the morning of Saturday, February 13. The $1,326 raised by the Aurora University programs
was the most by the organizations and 235 people that participated in the event.
Spartan senior pitcher and Dunham Scholar Steve Salazar coordinated the effort for the second year in a row at Aurora University. This was the second year AU has participated in the walk and students are planning on keeping it a tradition as years go on.
"This year we made over $1,000 more than last year and we really made it a priority to make an impact in our Aurora community," said Salazar.
The Walk-A-Mile event is meant to benefit battered and homeless women and children in
Aurora. Wayside Cross Ministries hosted its fourth annual winter walk, Feb. 13, 2010, one mile in length, to help at-risk youth and the ministry's transitional living center for homeless women and children. Walk proceeds will benefit Lifespring Center & Urban Youth Ministry of Wayside Cross Ministries. The walk began at 9 a.m. from the Aurora Community Center at the intersection of Root Street and College Avenue.
"I really felt like we made a difference in these people's lives last year and I am really glad we joined them again this year," stated Spartan senior pitcher Shawn Gorsline.
The Aurora University baseball team loves the idea of helping out the community and this was a great
opportunity for the players to have their actions speak louder than words.
Spartan Baseball Head Coach Shaun Neitzel was very proud of his team for their actions with the event. "I love seeing our guys showing their character on and off the field. I was very proud to see all of the guys out here and truly making a difference today," Neitzel stated.
Part of the goal of the Aurora University Dunham Scholars program is to help the community and less fortunate at every opportunity possible. The Dunham Scholars have sponsored other fundraisers such as the Angel Tree Foundation for children and volunteered at Hesed House Homeless Shelter. The scholars pride themselves on being steward leaders and the Walk-A-Mile was another great opportunity to support their leadership efforts.
