Who said why walk when you can run? This past weekend walking made a big difference.
Before the 300 participants lined up along the ribbon to start the clean up in Prospect Park on Sunday, over $50,000 was raised.
The money will fund the teams of arborists and landscapers, from the Prospect Park Alliance and the Department of Parks and Recreation, who have been busy cleaning up and fixing the park’s pathways and lawns from the damage Hurricane Irene blew in a couple of weeks ago.
The hurricane caused flooding and dangerously heavy winds, which tore down at least 150 trees in the park, causing roadway and pathway closures.
The walkers raised $25,000 and the Brooklyn Community Foundation matched each dollar, making the amount double. A representative from the Prospect Park Alliance said they are still counting, but they expect $55,000 in total.
The event was also sponsored by Flat Rate Moving, Modell’s, Flatbush Food Coop and La Bagel Delight, all of which provided food and drink at the finish line.
“The Walk-a-thon really had the best of everything come together for it: Lovely weather, a rousing send-off from Borough President Marty Markowitz, great camaraderie among the walkers,” said Emily Lloyd, Prospect Park Alliance president and Prospect Park administrator. “We exceeded our goal of raising $25,000 which the Brooklyn Community Foundation is matching dollar-for-dollar. This will really help the Alliance continue to the work of repairing the park’s landscape from the damage caused by Hurricane Irene.”
