Neighbors United to Walk Across Michigan to Benefit Firefighters with Cancer
Neighbors United, a nonprofit that raises money for those in need, is set to walk across the State of Michigan September 8th-11th for its 4th Annual #WalkForTheRed140 fundraiser. We will be raising funds to be given directly to firefighters and their families fighting cancer. As of 8/1, our list sits at 21 that have been nominated. The goal is to reach $115,000 in donations for these Michigan firefighters and their families.
Joe Warne, firefighter, and founder of Neighbors United, will walk approximately 140 miles from Macomb Township to the Grand Rapids area to raise money for firefighters and their families. The currently nominated firefighters includes many who have already passed away from their battle. Neighbors United will forever keep their legacy alive.
In 2019, cancer was named the leading cause of death for firefighters. That year, Neighbors United set out on a mission to raise awareness for this. Planning a 140 mile walk across Michigan from Macomb to Grand Rapids, the president of the organization was ready to start the conversation about the main cause of loss within the firefighter community. What was initially a one-year plan, quickly rolled into an annual event. With training, perseverance, and strength, the president and the Neighbors United supporters have walked many miles including walks in other states like Texas. This is just the start for Neighbors United. Within a plan of expanding to multiple states, we never stop raising awareness to the dangers these men and women face doing their jobs.
Warne recalls delivering checks to firefighters and meeting a 35-year veteran firefighter “that had no heat or stove” as well as another firefighter “that could not afford gas to get to his chemo treatments”.
This will be the largest fundraiser of the year for Neighbors United. Joining Warne at various points along the journey will be members of the Neighbors United team, fellow firefighters, and community volunteers, along with Jarrett Beshears from Plano Fire Rescue in Plano ,Texas. Plano, Texas was the ending point in March 2022 was the 1st #walkforthered140, Texas edition. Currently, Neighbors United is off to a strong start, raising $60,000 toward the walk, through bottle drives & various other fundraising streams. To help meet this year’s $115,000 goal, donations can be made through the Neighbors United Facebook page or online at www.wedontjudge.org by clicking the #WalkForTheRed140 button.
To follow the walk, there will be a live feed on the Neighbors United Facebook page. This year’s walk will begin September 8th at 7:30a.m. in Macomb Township at 17800 21 Mile Road and end on September 11th at 2990 Buttrick in Ada, Michigan.
For further information on the walk, contact Joe Warne at 940-368-2031 prior to September 8th, and Rob Boitnott during the walk at 586-822-7732. More information is available at https://www.facebook.com/neighborsunitedmi.