news-record.com

Students, faculty and friends of St. Pius X Catholic School hit the pavement Oct. 24 in their annual Mini Crop Walk to raise money for Greensboro Urban Ministry.

There was nothing "mini" about the funds the walkers raised in their half-mile trek around the St. Pius campus.

"Traditionally, the parish and school combined has been the top-raising group in Greensboro," said Mike Aiken, executive director of Greensboro Urban Ministry.

"St. Pius is like the anchor of our fundraiser, and we're so appreciative to St. Pius and all of our contributors," Aiken said.

This year's totals aren't in, but Principal Mark Akerman predicted that the school and church would surpass last year's total of about $22,000. The school contributed $5,000 of that amount.

"We always have 100 percent participation in our crop walk because this is one of the biggest things we do here at the school," Akerman said of the ninth annual event.

Service is just as important as academics at St. Pius X, Akerman said.

"I believe that you can have the highest academic test scores, but if you aren't using your knowledge to benefit others by giving back in some way, then you're missing the boat," Akerman said.

Aiken said St. Pius has raised the most money in Greensboro for the past three years.

The key, Akerman said, is planning ahead.

"I start looking for volunteers way in advance. Patricia DiCarlo and Karen Graves have done a great job organizing the walk," Akerman said.

The 28th annual Greensboro Crop Hunger Walk was held Oct. 19, with more than 5,000 walkers participating.

So far, this year's Crop Walk has garnered $200,219 in pledges.

"Our goal is to top that and raise $250,000," Aiken said.

"St. Pius will help us in getting to that goal."

Last year, 25 percent of the money raised went to GUM's Potter's House Community Kitchen.

"The goal is to never have to turn anyone away. With the way the economy is now, we are serving over 500 people on most days, and we don't see that number decreasing anytime soon," he said.

For information on Crop Walk, call 271-5959 or go to www.greensboro urbanministry.org.

Contact Adria Hairston at 883-4422, Ext. 244, or adria.hairston@news-record.com