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PHOTO: Friends Of The Poor Walk Organized by Society of St. Vincent de Paul Goes Over The Top In 2009

Over $1.2 million: Second annual event exceeds goal set by St. Vincent de Paul

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA today announced the 2009 results of its national, annual Friends of the Poor Walk, held this year on September 26.

"The 2009 Friends of the Poor Walk raised over $1,235,000," said Victoria White Berger, National Director of Development for the Society. "The Society had 158 Walk locations nationwide, a 56 percent increase in locations over our inaugural Walk in 2008. The 2009 Walk total revenue was up more than 50 percent. We're delighted to see this rapid growth in our annual, national event on behalf of the Society of St Vincent de Paul's essential mission to help the poor."

Over 16,000 walkers in 36 states, representing 409 SVdP Conferences and Councils, participated in the 2009 walk. Over $132,000 was raised in local corporate sponsorships.

The national sponsors of the 2009 Friends of the Poor Walk are Ascension Health, Catholic Knights, and The Catholic Health Association.

Roger Playwin, executive director of the Society's National Council in St. Louis, remarked, "The success of the 2009 Friends of the Poor Walk again proves that people are willing to be generous and helpful to those who are in need. The response from those who walked and those who contributed will allow the Society around the United States to help those who come to us hoping that their need for food or clothing or housing or transportation or help with medical expenses or burying a loved one will be met. The children in most of these families will go to bed feeling a little more hopeful than yesterday."

Playwin joined his thanks to those of Joe Flannigan, the Society's national president, who said, "Congratulations and thanks to all that participated in and supported the Friends of the Poor Walk! This is a wonderful way to help our SVdP conferences in their service to the poor and to raise awareness of the plight of the poor."

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA's 2010 national, annual Friends of the Poor Walk will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2010; the rain/alternate date is Sunday, September 26, 2010. The SVDP Walk Web site is SVdPFriendsOfThePoorWalk.org ">.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul served close to 19 million people in the United States in 2008, with over $573 million in total value of services. Playwin pointed out, "These roll-up figures will show an increase in 2009 - we've had even more to do in 2009."

Find out how to support the work and get involved at SVdPUSA.org ">.
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   Mrs. Victoria Berger
   National Director of Development
   Society of St. Vincent de Paul National Council
   St. Louis,    MO,    63043-3706
   USA
   314-576-3993 ext213 (phone)
   314-576-6755 (fax)
   vberger@svdpusa.org
   www.svdpusa.org
  

   Mrs. Victoria Berger
   National Director of Development
   Society of St. Vincent de Paul National Council
   St. Louis,    MO,    63043-3706
   USA
   314-576-6755 ext213 (phone)
   314-576-6755 (fax)
   vberger@svdpusa.org
  

   Mrs. Victoria Berger
   National Director of Development
   Society of St. Vincent de Paul National Council
   St. Louis,    MO,    63043-3706
   USA
   314-576-6755 ext213 (phone)
   314-576-6755 (fax)
   vberger@svdpusa.org