On Sunday, Oct. 24, some 115 Islanders joined the 20th Annual CROP Walk (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) for the hungry. Each participant was encouraged to find sponsors for the nearly seven-mile walk from St. Augustine’s Church in Vineyard Haven to Trinity Methodist Church in Oak Bluffs, and back again.

As an incentive, the Martha’s Vineyard YMCA offered five $100 gift certificates to the top fundraisers; three for participants under the age of 18 years and two for over 18.

The winners were Lila Sullivan, who raised $235.61, leading the under-18 walkers. Galen Mayhew and Cal Fiore also won certificates.

For the over-18 group, Rosemarie Doane of the First Congregational Church raised $2,180. The second high achiever in this group was Tom Hiller.

Rev. Alden Besse, cocoordinator of the walk, said that just over $18,000 (including matching gifts) has been raised for the CROP Walk this year. This money will be distributed where the need is greatest in 80 countries, with 25 per cent dedicated to the Island Food Pantry.

Four Vineyard families came together to offer matching funds of 25 cents for each dollar raised. CROP treasurer Ann Deitrich is accepting contributions to CROP for another week. The walk was sponsored by the Island Clergy Association, the Island Food Pantry and the Vineyard Commission on Hunger.

For more information, please contact Rev. Besse at 508-693-3930.