“The StepALIVE! walkathon is to raise support for our basic needs services,” said ALIVE! executive director Jennifer Ayers. “This includes food, furniture, financial help, housewares and shelter – all the services we have been providing to the community for over 50 years.”

A bagpiper from the Alexandria Pipes and Drums led the walkers from the parking lot of First Christian Church on King Street on the 5-mile route.

“We added a new route this year,” said Ayers. “We have the traditional route through Old Town and a new one through the West End.”

A group of walkers from Beverley Hills Community United Methodist Church participated in the walk in memory of Bridget, a church member who died earlier this summer.

“My mother was a stalwart champion of ALIVE! for our congregation,” said Rebecca Davis. “She led every volunteer effort we have in partnership with ALIVE! and the Walkathon was one of her favorites.”

Davis said that her mother participated in every walk for the last 40 years.

“She loved getting out here with a whole range of ages of people to do this particular walk and raise awareness for what ALIVE! does here in the city,” Davis said.  “We are here to continue that tradition.”

ALIVE! supports a range of services for those in need in Alexandria with a focus on poverty and hunger.

www.alive-inc.org