Capuchin Walk for the Hungry returns to lakefront
The 2022 Capuchin Walk for the Hungry returns to the lakefront to raise funds for Capuchin Community Services and its mission of caring for those struggling with poverty, homelessness and hunger. The Walk helps open Polish Fest, back at the lakefront after a two year hiatus, and begins on Friday, June 10, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. at the Henry Maier Festival Park at 200 N. Harbor Drive. Online registration is open at www.CapuchinWalk.org. Individual registration is $30 for adults and $20 for children. All proceeds go directly to fund the works of mercy provided by Capuchin Community Services.
Neighborhood, remote and virtual Walks for the Hungry that took place during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021 will continue for those who prefer to participate in this way. Remote participants will receive a Capuchin Walk for the Hungry T-shirt in the mail.
Funds raised through the Walk for the Hungry support those in need through Capuchin Community Services’ two locations: Saint Ben’s Community Meal and the House of Peace. Saint Ben’s provides hundreds of meals every evening for people experiencing homelessness and poverty, in addition to offering free laundromat, a shower program, emergency clothing, and the Saint Ben’s site hosts the Ascension/St. Ben’s Free Clinic and other services. The House of Peace offers an emergency food pantry, a free clothes closet, annual school supply and holiday food box drives, as well as the Marquette University Legal Clinic, UWM Community Health and Wellness Center – House of Peace, and other services.
Br. Robert Wotypka, OFM Cap., ministry director for Capuchin Community Services, will emcee the event from the Johnson Controls/Sobieski Vodka Main Stage at Polish Fest. Longtime sponsor Usinger's Famous Sausage will donate up to one pound of product per registered walker. Usinger’s has donated over 30,000 pounds of products since the inaugural Walk for the Hungry in 2006.
“With the cost of everyday items like food, clothing and toiletries going up, the need is great,” said Br. Robert Wotypka, OFM Cap., ministry director of Capuchin Community Services. “We ask those who are able to support to come out and walk with us in solidarity. This is our only annual fundraising event, so it’s a chance for our supporters to meet and share together in what they help sustain.”
The Capuchin Walk for the Hungry registration fee includes entrance into Polish Fest on June 10 and free return to Polish Fest all weekend.
“After two years away, we are ecstatic to be bringing Polish Fest back for 2022,” said Jeff Kuderski, executive director of Polish Fest. “As has become our tradition, we are very pleased to kick off Polish Fest with the many supporters of Capuchin Community Services who will be visiting on opening day for the Capuchin Walk for the Hungry.”
ABOUT CAPUCHIN COMMUNITY SERVICES
Capuchin Community Services, with two locations, Saint Ben's Community Meal and the House of Peace, serves people struggling with homelessness, poverty and food insecurity. www.CapuchinCommunityServices.org
ABOUT THE HOUSE OF PEACE
House of Peace assists families and individuals in meeting spiritual, material and emotional needs. House of Peace helps families remain together while promoting self-sufficiency, providing food, clothing and pastoral care. In addition, the House of Peace is home to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Community Wellness Center – HOP and the Marquette University Volunteer Legal Clinic.
ABOUT SAINT BEN'S COMMUNITY MEAL
Saint Ben's Community Meal is Milwaukee's longest running community meal, founded in 1970. Dozens of organizations (including faith communities, neighborhood groups and companies) provide hot, homemade dishes six days a week to everyone who comes, no questions asked. Other Saint Ben's programs are shower, laundromat and barber services, and a winter Warming Center. The Ascension/St. Ben's Free Clinic provides individualized preventive health care, and CCS partners with Saint Benedict the Moor parish to provide jail ministry.
Capuchin Community Services is part of the Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph, headquartered in Detroit, and part of the worldwide Roman Catholic order of Friars Minor, Capuchin, following the Rule of St. Francis of Assisi. www.TheCapuchins.org
