The sun was shining, the dogs were out, and over 550 walkers participated in Saturday’s fifth annual Walk MS, billed as “Stayin’ Alive for Walk MS Five.” Though fundraising tallies for the walk in support of multiple sclerosis treatment and research haven’t yet been totaled, event organizer Dave Emig tells KBHR that $33,000 in donations had been collected before the April 18 walk even got underway. Though the title of Top Dog has not yet been named, Team Mighty Strong won the award for Most Spirited of over 60 teams, Team Chatz from the Lake Arrowhead area was dubbed Best Dressed, and Jeri Pinnell of Riverside, who has participated in each of the five Big Bear walks since her husband passed due to MS, was named this year’s Most Inspirational Walker. All those who participated in the Walk MS were invited to a free spaghetti dinner, hosted by the Moose Lodge in Fawnskin, on Saturday evening. We will be sure to let you know when final tallies are in, though as donations will be collected through the end of May, contributions can still be made via the Big Bear MS Walk page. Big Bear generated over $300,000 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in the first four walks on the Alpine Pedal Path.
Update: As of April 21, the preliminary total in MS Walk donations is $70,000! Pledges will be accepted through May’s end, for those who still wish to contribute.
