The concept of collecting money for charity by walking is not new. Every year people across the country pledge hundreds of thousands of dollars to charities such as AIDS Walk and the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. What is unique about Hell Walk, however, is the immediacy of the journey. Rather than having hundreds of people walking through the streets, Hell Walk only has one walker.
On May 1, 2011, Josh Tate walked for 24 straight hours around a 100-foot circle and raised $25,000 for a charity called Children’s Hope Chest. On June 30, 2012, he is going to do something even harder: I’m going to walk 100 consecutive miles through the countless neighborhoods that comprise Los Angeles.
Josh believes there is a growing disconnect between the people who receive charity and those who give it. People will write a check to an organization and that is typically the end of their involvement. They never actually see the people walking those dozens of miles; never have any tangible insight into the struggle that those people experience. And, more importantly, they never see the people who benefit from their generosity. Hell Walk is different. At the Hell Walk website and on Twitter and Facebook, people will be able to see daily updates on the progress of the event. On the day of Hell Walk, people will be able to come down to the event and see exactly what is happening. If they cannot attend, they can view the entire Hell Walk as it is broadcast live at www.hellwalk.com. People will see how long the walker can endure. They will experience the anguish of the walker. They will know exactly how much money is being raised. They will see the actual people who will be given an actual check when Hell Walk is over. It will be an experience so real that it is almost tactile. And, of course, I am the walker. I am the one who will train for months in advance of the event. I am the only person foolish enough to attempt the Hell Walk on June 30, 2012.
Hell Walk is a transparent organization with no bureaucracy. None of the funds raised will go to supporting any infrastructure or pay any salaries or expenses. All of it will go to fund five $10,000 college scholarships for military children who have lost their parents due to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. As the son of a military father, this is a cause that truly resonates with me, and I hope you’ll join me on what I know will be an amazing journey!
Visit Josh Tate for more information.
Today's Honoree is The #1 Blog For Recognizing The Works of Others 