Walk to Remember – A Wonderful Event

Memorial Wall

On Saturday, July 31, approximately 75 children and adults participated in our Walk to Remember, a 5k walk in memory of loved ones who have passed away. This beautiful tribute touched walkers, Madeira residents who witnessed the walk, and everyone present at the event. Read more for a detailed recap, including pictures, a list of our sponsors, and our raffle winners.

The walk kicked off in the St. Gertrude parking lot at 8:45 a.m. with a blessing from Father George Schommer, O.P., our pastor, followed by an inspirational singing of the National Anthem, led by Catherine Fishlock. All walkers left St. Gertrude at 9:00 a.m. for their 3.1-mile trek through the neighborhoods of Madeira. As they walked, they shared stores of their deceased loved ones—sometimes with Madeira residents who lived along the route and offered walkers flowers from their gardens to bring back to the church.   

Opening blessed and singing of the National Anthem

When the walkers returned to St. Gertrude, they enjoyed bagels, snack bars, water, and juice, and continued to share stories of those who had passed away, as well as stories from their 3.1-mile walk. But the most impactful part of the event was when each participant came to Memorial Wall to receive a memorial card as the name(s) of their deceased loved one(s) were read aloud.

While there were no first, second, or third place awards given based on the time it took to complete the walk, each walker was entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four prizes. Congratulations to our four raffle winners:

Adults

• Joe Scherrer – $130 Gift Certificate to Tri-State Running Company 
• Steve Bay – $100 Gift Card to Ferrari’s Little Italy and Bakery 
• Lauren Hern – $100 Gift Card to Ferrari’s Little Italy and Bakery 

Children

• Caleb Naumann – $30 Gift Card to Dairy Queen 

To conclude the event, everyone gathered for a closing prayer in remembrance of the deceased loved ones.

Thank you to everyone who made the walk possible:

• Our sponsors, who generously donated food, prizes, and money 
  
  • ABES' Travel
    
  • Bruegger's Bagels
    
  • Chemounity
    
  • Cincy Bins
    
  • Ferrari's Little Italy & Bakery
    
  • Gate of Heaven Cemetery
    
  • Knights of Columbus – Archbishop Elder Council 1195
    
  • Kroger
    
  • Ray Meyer Signs
    
  • Tri-State Grill Cleaning
    
  • Tri-State Running Company
    
• The Madeira Police Department who charted the 3.1-mile route, marked the path, and provided presence along the route to ensure everyone’s safety
  
• All our volunteers from the Ladies of Charity, the Knights of Columbus, and parishioners who set up, cleaned up, acted as monitors along the route, and served food

As Chief David Schaefer of the Madeira Police Department said, “This was a wonderful event. We need to do it again next year and publicize more to the community.”

Front of the walker t-shirt with our sponsors' logos

Back of the walker t-shirt with names of deceased loved ones