Sometime between the beginning of Spring and the onset of
hurricane season 2007, I plan to walk from Jacksonville, FL,
to NPR in Washington, DC. Taking back roads along the East
Coast, this trek will cover nearly 1,000 miles – mainly on
Hwy 17. I plan to cover around 20 miles a day, so the entire
walk should take me about 50 days. I will be traveling solo,
self-propelled and self-contained, carrying the camping
equipment and food I will need on my back.
Why would I
possibly want to do this? Have I lost my mind? Probably, but
on a personal level, I have always enjoyed challenging
myself. This is an adventure I just can’t pass up. I look
forward to meeting interesting folks along the way, those
who populate the small towns you seldom even notice anymore
as you zip along the Interstate. On hearing of my plan,
several people have commented that this idea sounds a bit
like Forrest Gump. As you can see, this photo of me at age 5
attests that there is some similarity – but that is a story
for later.
I also
want to do this for WUWF and to celebrate my 25 years in
public radio. What a great opportunity to spread the word
about public broadcasting, one of our greatest national
treasures, and raise money to support it locally at the same
time.
This is
where you come in. We are seeking sponsors for my hike. With
a minimum pledge of $1 per mile, you can pick the amount per
mile you wish to pledge and the number of miles you wish to
sponsor. You may want to consider sponsoring the hike from
one specific town to another - say, the 18 miles from Coosawatchie to Gardens Corner, GA ($10/mile = $180). You
can see my daily schedule and town to town mileage chart in
.pdf format: Pat's
Itinerary (updated 4/10/07).
We also
have a special Corporate Sponsorship package available.
During
the trip, I plan to call in daily during the news
programming to update everyone on my progress and to thank
my sponsors, and just so we’re straight, I’m covering my own
expenses to ensure that all monies pledged go directly to
support 88.1 FM.
Ready to
help? Sponsor Pat's
Hike.
If
you have any questions, give me a call at (850) 474-2426, or drop me a line
at pat@wuwf.org remember to stay tuned to 88.1 FM and visit
wuwf.org for daily progress
reports and tracking information once the hike begins.
Thanks,
Pat Crawford
Executive Director
WUWF Public Media |
