Steppingstone, Inc. held its ninth annual 5K Walk for the Homeless on August 20, 2011, to ensure that the First Step Inn at 177 North Main Street can continue to provide emergency shelter for the area's homeless population. This year's event drew over 100 participants and raised over $53,000 including a $1,000 donation from the Greater Fall River Association of Realtors. "We are always grateful for the support we receive from so many organizations and individuals," noted Steppingstone Executive Director Kathleen Clark. The annual event raises funds to provide counseling, proper nutrition, bedding and other services to help the homeless stay clean, sober and safely sheltered. Click here for a video of the event. Click here for pictures of the last year's event and here for pictures of the 2009 event. For further information or to make a donation anytime, contact Kathy Clark at 508-674-2788, Ext. 110. To see photos from the recent Homeless Connect event at Bristol Community College, click here. 
 

(Top row, left) Matthew Bissonnette of the Greater Fall River Association of Realtors, left, talks with a participant while Steppingstone Executive Director Kathy Schedler-Clarke talks with Board of Directors President Attorney Rene Brown before the event in front of a table with fresh fruit. (Top row, center) Fall River Mayor Flanagan and Kathy Clark listen as her husband, Dave Clark, thanks the event sponsors. (Row two, left) Mike Bryant leads off the walk after Michael O'Brien sounds the horn. (Row two, center) State Representative Paul Schmid talks with walkers en route. (Row two, right) Mike Bryant and his wife, Sally, are joined by other walkers as they travel up Durfee Street to the Veterans' Memorial Auditorium on Bank Street. (Row three, left and center) Walkers pass the Fall River Trial Court and Serendipity Heavenly Florist on High Street. (Row three, right) Karen Braz and Angel Rodriguez pass the First Step Inn on North Main Street on their way to the finish line. (Bottom row) Sissy Gagne and Kathleen cross the finish line first; Kathleen Wildanger and Wayne Daveau come in a little later; and Carole Fiola returns with fellow walkers.