FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - miOttawa

[Pages:4]12251 James St., Ste. 300 Holland, MI 49424 T 616.494.3403 F 616 494.3434 mstock@ caa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 8, 2010

WEST MICHIGAN ACADEMY'S STUDENTS RACE FOR WARMTH!

Contact: Mike Stock, Marketing Specialist, Community Action Agency, (616) 494-3403, mstock@ Rachel Fetterley, Dance Instructor, WMAAA, (616) 844-9961, rfetterley@ Carolyn Gilmore, Arts Coordinator, WMAAA, (616) 844-9961, cgilmore@

On Friday, February 5, the students of Ferrysburg's West Michigan Academy of Arts and Academics held their own Walk for Warmth on school grounds.

This is the school's own annual event that is in its third year. Rachel Fetterley, Dance Instructor is the event's organizer. "Part of our school philosophy is based on community service," she says, "and since not all of our students can make it to Zeeland on the day of the official, larger event, we thought it would be a nice idea to have the Walk here at the school."

"Every student that brings in a dollar gets his/her name on a paper cutout of a shoe," says Carolyn Gilmore, Arts Coordinator, "We had so many shoeprints taped to the hallway we couldn't see the wall! The students really love to help others."

The participating students raised over $200 through its efforts.

Beginning at 2:30 pm grades K through 6 - a little over 300 students in all - posed for a group photo then went for a timed walk for 30 minutes circling the school's playground. Most students, however, were more enthusiastic and raced in groups around the large playground.

"We love that West Michigan Academy of Arts and Academics holds its own event," says Mike Stock, Marketing Specialist for Community Action Agency, "it's great to get students involved in their community and it brings the school together for a worthwhile cause."

The Ottawa County Walk For Warmth is an annual event organized by the Ottawa County Community Action Agency. The event raises money to help families and individuals of Ottawa County pay their utility bills if they are in shut-off status with their utility company.

This year's Walk for Warmth will be held this Saturday, February 13 at 8:30 am at City On A Hill Ministries, 100 Pine Street in Zeeland. Five area mayors, including Roger Bergman of Grand Haven, will be on hand to speak. The event is free to attend and everyone is welcome.

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Photo: Carolyn Gilmore, Arts Coordinator (left) and Rachel Fetterley, Dance Instructor (right).

Photo: Group photo of West Michigan Academy's students walking for warmth.

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