Senior Center to Raise Funds at Walkathon

Offering folks a chance to raise money with their feet, Organization for the Needs of the Elderly (ONE) will sponsor its first walkathon Sunday at its Reseda senior center.

Dubbed ONE Step Ahead, the event will begin at 7:30 a.m. with registration and refreshments at the Valley Senior Service and Resource Center at 18255 Victory Blvd. Opening ceremonies will take place at 8:30, and the walk will begin at 9.

Event chairwoman Anne Garellick said walkers will head east about one mile to the Mark Taper Intergenerational Center at 17400 Victory Blvd. in Van Nuys, the site of ONE’s weekly farmers market.

“It’s a short little stroll,” she said, “maybe a 20-minute walk.” Water will be provided at two locations along the route, and shuttles will transport walkers back to the Reseda site if necessary.

Proceeds from the walk will benefit ONE’s senior centers and programs such as homebound meals, adult day care, peer counseling and medical screenings. Although the organization is partially funded by the city’s Department of Aging, “there’s always holes to fill,” Garellick said.

All participants will receive gift bags, and walkers who raise more than $25 in pledges will receive prizes such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, canvas bags and gift certificates. Prizes also will be awarded to the oldest and youngest walkers, the largest family and the largest corporate team.

Registration is $10 general, $5 for seniors 60 and older and children 4 to 12. Walkers may register until Sunday morning, but a late fee of $2 will be charged to each entrant beginning Thursday. Businesses may register teams of as many as 10 walkers for $250.

Registration forms are available at the Reseda resource center. For more information, call (818) 705-2345.