By MARK ALAN LOVEWELL

It happens for one day each year. And over the course of 19 years, the Vineyard volunteers who sponsor the annual crop walk have raised over a quarter million dollars to feed the hungry, both here and afar.

Crop Hunger Walk marchers stepped onto the pavement in front St. Augustine’s Church on Sunday on their 20th annual mission, a walk of six and two-thirds miles (ten kilometres).

Led by Scottish bagpiper Tony Peak, 115 walkers followed closely behind. The Rev. Alden Besse, 86, of Vineyard Haven, who had co-organized the event with others, wore a wide smile and waved at onlookers.

They marched down to Water street, in front of the Steamship Authority ticket office. They marched along Beach Road to Oak Bluffs, where they would stop at the Trinity Methodist Church in the center of the Camp Ground and turn back. Walkers of all ages, plus two dogs, joined the march. It is the same route every year.

After the walk, Reverend Besse said backers had received $12,384 in pledges. Individual contributions ranged from a few dollars to over $300. The Vineyard YMCA donated five $100 scholarships which will go to three individuals 20 or younger, and two adults.

“Most of the money raised, 75 per cent of it, will be sent out around the world,” Reverend Besse said. A quarter of it will be donated to the Island Food Pantry, a local nonprofit organization committed to providing food for those in need this winter and beyond.

“We recognize we have a responsibility to help those who are near. But we also recognize that there are many places, vaster. There are people who live on just a dollar a day,” Reverend Besse said. He continued:

“Crop Hunger Walk is a community effort of the Church World Service. There are almost 2,000 marches in the United States. They are mostly in the fall and spring.”

The idea for having a Crop Hunger Walk on the Island began at a meeting of the Island’s clergy association. Reverend Besse recalled that it was brought before the group and they all agreed.

The Rev. John D. Schule Jr. of Edgartown recalled the day Reverend Besse brought the idea forward. “Alden is an incredible pastor. He has been a leader on the Vineyard for many years, and a leader for the Martha’s Vineyard Clergy Association. He certainly has been the energy behind so many good things,” Mr. Schule said.