Volunteer Expeditions Diary: Chicago Hunger Walk 2012

Last Saturday, June 23rd, we here at Volunteer Expeditions were thrilled to participate in the 27th Annual Chicago Hunger Walk. Thousands of people (10,000 were registered, but many thousands more took part) walked and donated to end hunger in our home city of Chicago. The money raised went to the Chicago Food Depository and over 650 food banks in the city. Our team consisted of Patti (our founder and president), Allison (your blogger and Director of Communications), Herb, and Dianne. Thanks to a voice recorder, a watch, and a pedometer, we can give you the play-by-play of our 5k.

• 8:00 AM: Arrived at the Walk. Managed to get free parking, but were quite far from the registration. Herb asked if the distance counted towards our 3.2 miles. Probably not.
• 8:29 AM: Waited near the big banner that read Start. Had received water, snacks, t-shirt, and info from registration. Took pictures. Heard announcements about the sponsors.
• 8:30 AM: The Hunger Walk officially begins!
• 8:40 AM: Walked through first start gate.
• 8:43 AM: Walked through second start gate. Inspirational man on platform with microphone read off names of groups who were walking. "Christ Church! THEY walkin'! Church Sisterhood! THEY walkin'!" Felt very proud to be walkin'.
• 8:44 AM: Walked past stormtrooper and Sith Lord who were apparently there for no other reason than to be photo opportunities. Possibly to encourage walkers.
• 8:53 AM: Path entered lot under McCormick Place. Was dark until we remembered to remove our sunglasses.

• 9:01 AM: Neared end of being under McCormick Place. At 0.75 miles, 1,712 steps.
• 9:07 AM: Walked past the McCormick Bird Sanctuary. Was news to all of us that Chicago had a McCormick Bird Sanctuary.
• 9:18 AM: Reached the turn-around point, which was where path curved to head back, but closer to Lake Michigan. Provided much better photos. Were told that last year, people had to turn around and take same path back so that path was filled with walkers heading in both directions. Were glad it was all one-way this year. 3,588 steps.
• 9:30 AM: Reached the 2-mile marker. Took pictures. 4,893 steps.
• 9:35 AM: Decided to think about rest of race as much longer than actual length so that finish line would arrive much more quickly than expected. Began wailing "We still have SEVEN miles left??" with Herb.
• 9:41 AM: Broke down and had granola bar. 6,046 steps.

• 9:45 AM: While Herb explained the story of the book Unbroken, young woman overheard and asked Herb if he is a history teacher. Flattered, he replied no, he just read the book.
• 9:50 AM: Reached 3-mile marker. Took photos and could smell finish line. 6,965 steps.
• 9:55 AM: FINISHED! The final totals:
• Steps walked: 7,329
• Miles covered: 3.238
• Kilometers covered: 5.212
• Calories burned: 203.5
• 10:52 AM: Capped it all off with some delicious frozen yogurt in air conditioning.

Want to see more photos of our Hunger Walk experience? Check them out on our Facebook page!

Patti's Top Five Favorite Nonprofits

Let's face it, there are a lot of nonprofits out there. Lots of people are doing some amazing good work, but it's hard to know where you should donate your hard-earned money and volunteer your precious free time.

If you're looking for some guidance, we're happy to provide. Patti, our founder and president, is active in many organizations other than us. Check out some of her favorites:

• The Greater Chicago Food Depository (and its subsidiaries): This nonprofit provides food and training to end hunger in Chicago. Patti says it's one of her favorites "because of their amazing focus on feeding the homeless and finding ways to address the needs of vulnerable people in our society."
• The Lower 9th Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development: This nonprofit is one that Patti works closely with in New Orleans to restore the Lower 9th neighborhood. "They are an inspiration and offer hope to the families trying to rebuild their lives and homes in New Orleans. They are an example of commitment to the many volunteers who work under their guidance."
• United States Holocaust Memorial Museum & The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center: These two museums are haunting reminders of the atrocity committed against the Jewish people and truly stay with their visitors. She supports them "for keeping alive the specter of the nightmare that could happen when people disregard the human rights of others."
• Planned Parenthood: This diverse organization offers so much health care for women who need help. "The services they give to poor women who have no other place to go are invaluable. They have provide care women's health care that is available in no other place. They are steadfast in their mission to provide health."
• Big 10 Universities (Michigan and Illinois): These two schools "provided such wonderful educational opportunities and gave me the ability to move forward."

And, of course, she is fiercely devoted to us here at Volunteer Expeditions. But you can find out about us right here!

What are your favorite nonprofits? Leave us a comment below!

Have You Heard the Big News?

Something new and exciting is happening at Volunteer Expeditions.

Are you ready?

We've always loved New Orleans and have been bringing people to rebuild for five years. Last summer, we became passionate about Jamaica and now offer trips to tutor children in orphanages on the island.

But we have a lot more love to give. Which is why we're sharing the love and offering TWO NEW VOLUNTEER TOURS! Both of these trips focus on helping the homeless - and we want to bring you along.

Photo credit: Funky Tee

The first new volunteer vacation destination is Washington, DC. We're proud to partner with Amizade on this new trip; we're taking the best of their program and mixing in our Volunteer Expeditions touch (which includes more sightseeing and hotel arrangements). This trip involves making and serving food to the homeless, distributing meals, and learning about their "invisible" culture.

Photo credit: Allison Bernstein

The second new voluntour experience is our beloved hometown of Chicago. We've partnered with the JCC to offer a meaningful experience in our amazing city. The past few weeks have been a flurry of emails and scheduling! It's going to be an incredible experience. There are some organizations that just inspire you to hear about them, let alone when you work with them! Volunteers will serve and distribute food, help schools, tutor homeless children, learn, and discover. And, of course, we promise a view of Chicago from the top of the John Hancock, history and beauty at the Art Institute (Sunday in the Park! Van Gogh's Bedroom in Arles!), and some delicious deep dish pizza. More details are being finalized, and we can't wait to put it all together!

As these trips form more fully, we'll post the information on our website and all over the social media realm. Stay tuned, do good, and get in touch with us! We'd love to bring you on an unforgettable volunteer tour experience.