New Paltz CROP Walk
The "New Paltz CROP Walk" was first known as United Nations World Food Program and was held at SUNY Campus New Paltz on their field track. Started by Pastor Paul Walley of the New Paltz Student Christian Center in 1973. 50 college students walked and raised $2,000.00. Wanting to make this a community event, Pastor Walley took the "New Paltz CROP Walk" to the streets of New Paltz. This proved to be a good idea, but safety of walkers needed to be addressed. Mohonk Mountain House and Mohonk Preserve came to the rescue and gave permission for the event to be held on their spectacular grounds. The Walk A Thon Against Hunger (as it became to be known) consisted of walking 18 miles on Mohonk Preserve and Mountain House property. Typically held on the first Saturday of May, this format would make it the longest walk to raise money for hungry relief on the east coast. With names like "heart break hill" and "cardiac hill", this all day event, was a challenging event "loved" by all.
With safety issues and limited personnel, Mohonk Mountain House decided not to hold the event in 1999. Undaunted, the "New Paltz CROP Walk" (as it became to be known) was moved to Minnewaska State Park. The "Walk" was cut down to 10 miles, but still proved to be a very challenging all day event.
Changes in State administration and State cut backs the "New Paltz CROP Walk" was again moved in 2002 to its present location on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail System. Established on the old rail road bed, this site proved ideal for families, joggers and sightseers. Now just a 5 mile walk to accommodate the changes in life styles. The day was also changed to Sunday afternoon with the "Walk" now held in October. CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty).
Click here for 2012 New Paltz CROP Walk update.
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Mark Your Calendars Now!
The 2012 New Paltz CROP Walk will be held on: October 14, 2012
Registration Time: 1PM
Walk Begins at: 2PM
The New Paltz CROP Walk starts at SUNY Parking Lot #18 on corner of Plattekill Ave and South Manheim (also registration area). Up South Manheim to Rte 299 (Main Street), down to the Wallkill Rail Trail and heads north to Wallkill Bridge and then back to parking lot (total of 5 miles).
You may pick-up a donation sheet at Family of New Paltz, New Paltz area Churches, Synagogue and on the day of the walk at registration (you can sponsor yourself with a donation).
Go to our contact us page if you require more information emailed or mailed to you.
New Paltz CROP Walk on ....
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