The annual Gene Dupell Memorial CROP (Communities Responding to Overcoming Poverty) Walk to fight hunger is slated for Sunday, May 4.
It will start at the Hudson Falls United Methodist Church. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m.
Proceeds from this CROP Walk will benefit the Bread of Life Food Pantry in Hudson Falls, the Fort Edward Food Pantry, the Moreau Community Center, the Open Door Soup Kitchen in Glens Falls, and wherever additional funds are needed.
Aside from the walk itself, money is also raised through events at local restaurants.
All of proceeds from a breakfast held at Johnny Rockets, 1213 Route 9, Queensbury, on March 15, will be donated.
On Wednesday, March 26, at Cooper’s Cave Ale House, 2 Sagamore St., Glens Falls, diners from 5-9 p.m. who mention the CROP Hunger Walk will have 15 percent of their donated to the cause.
Last year, the CROP Walk garnered more than $56,000 for local food pantries, the highest amount raised since the walk began. In past years, the event has averaged near $40,000, organizers said.
The walk is named after one of the event’s top fundraisers, who had participated in it years ago using his wheelchair.
“He was a true inspiration,” said Tom Albrecht, owner of Hilltop Construction Co. in Hudson Falls. Albrecht serves as co-chairman of the CROP walk with his daughter, April Washburn, also of Hilltop Construction.
“Gene Dupell proved anyone can contribute and make a difference,” he said.
Organizers have been holding meetings for volunteers since he beginning of the year. Volunteering is open to all community members.
In addition to coordinating the CROP walk, Albrecht leads his business, and is active in Glens Falls Kiwanis, the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce board of directors, the Home Builders Association, BOCES, and House of Grace, among other organizations.
Albrecht became involved with the CROP walk in 1999, following a missionary trip to Honduras in which he returned home “looking to make a difference.” He said he secured six corporate sponsors his first year as chairman.
The CROP Walk information is available at http://genedupellcropwalk.blogspot.com.