Chapter 195 Donates Walk-A-Thon Proceeds to Widows and Elementary Schools

Principal Butcher addresses the assembly with veterans and students

Pathfinders Chapter 195 held a Walk-A-Thon in Zephyrhills, FL and raised over $1400 from pledges.

Chapter 195, an incarcerated Vietnam Veterans of America chapter, is located in the Zephyrhills Correctional Institution (ZCI). Mrs. Maynor, the Assistant Warden for Programs approved the use of the one third mile dirt track in the Recreation Field and a water point.

The 43 veterans walked 233 miles in two hours for an average of over 5 miles per veteran. Pledges were received from friends, family and the Florida State Council. The chapter voted to donate equal portions of $371 each to the Associate Vietnam Veterans of America’s Widows Fund and to the three elementary schools in Zephyrhills.

Ray Pawlicki presented a check to Julie Marks, Principal, Chester W. Taylor Elementary School

Students and Faculty participate in Veterans Day Program at Woodland Elementary. A check was presented to Shauntte Butcher, Principal

The principals will put the funding to good use in assisting less fortunate students. About 80% of students qualify for the Federal School Lunch Program and about 30% are below the poverty income level. The check for the Widow’s (Loving You) Fund was presented to Joyce Koprowski, President of the Associate Vietnam Veterans of America State Council at the Florida State Council Meeting.

Chapter 195 is excited about being able to contribute to the community. One blind veteran completed three laps around the Recreation Field and another in a wheelchair made two laps.