As an airhorn blast signaled the start of the 50th Annual MEOC Walkathon, Marilyn Maxwell led participants across the starting line.
Maxwell, Mountain Empire Older Citizens’ founder and Executive Director Emeritus, was there for the very first Walkathon in 1976. After leading the agency from its founding in 1974 until her retirement in 2012, it was only fitting that she helped lead the way again during the milestone event on May 3.
The beautiful spring weather provided a fitting backdrop as about 300 people gathered at Bullitt Park in Big Stone Gap for the Walkathon, which has raised more than $141,400 so far for the Emergency Fuel Fund for the Elderly.
The annual event supports older adults who are facing heating emergencies during the winter months. Last year alone, the Emergency Fuel Fund assisted 1,226 individuals and provided nearly $301,400 in heating assistance. The Walkathon is the program’s biggest fundraiser.
This year’s event brought together longtime supporters, first-time participants and many familiar faces to celebrate a tradition that has connected people across the region for five decades.
“We are so appreciative of everyone who supports the Walkathon,” said MEOC Executive Director Michael Wampler. “Having Marilyn there to take the first steps was especially meaningful because she has been part of the entire journey, not just for the Walkathon, but for this agency since the beginning. It was also wonderful to see so many familiar faces along with people attending for the first time. That’s what keeps traditions like this going.”
Participants spent the afternoon walking, visiting with friends and enjoying a free picnic following the event. The celebration also included a concert by If Birds Could Fly.
Emergency Services Director Marsha Craiger said she was grateful for the strong turnout and continued support shown by the community during this year’s Walkathon.
“This support makes a real difference for older adults across our region,” Craiger said. “Every winter, we see people facing difficult situations and struggling to keep their homes heated. The Walkathon helps make sure assistance is there when those emergencies happen.”
While this year marked the Walkathon’s 50th anniversary, organizers said the need the event supports remains very real today. Since 1976, the Walkathon has raised millions of dollars to help older adults throughout the region facing heating emergencies during the winter months.
Wampler thanked the many walkers, volunteers, sponsors and community supporters who helped make this year’s event possible and said support for the Emergency Fuel Fund remains important year-round.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support this community continues to show,” Wampler said. “Even though winter has passed, we are already preparing for the colder months ahead. We are hopeful donations will continue to arrive in the coming weeks because every contribution helps us prepare for the colder months ahead.”
People interested in supporting the Emergency Fuel Fund can donate at meoc.org/donate.