The Mercy-Xavier Walk-A-Thon was back in a big way Friday.
It was a walk-a-thon and a game-a-thon and an eat-a-thon all rolled into one on what one person described as a perfect day for ice cream, sunny and 70s, almost summerlike.
And there was plenty of ice cream, the Ben & Jerry’s truck doing a brisk business as were all the food vendors, from Lino’s Market in the concession stand to Chick-Fil-A, NORA Cupcake, Chartwell’s, and Mondo and Da Vinci pizza stationed here and there. And everywhere Xavier and Mercy students were having a blast, whether they were walking on the track, playing games on the football field, taking advantage of the inflatables out front or taking their best shot at dunking someone in the dunk tank.
As the day drew to a close, Xavier and Mercy had each exceeded their goals of raising $100,000 for their respective schools. At about 2 p.m. Xavier stood at $116,358 from 1,550 donors. The money goes to the Xavier Annual Fund, which supports all clubs and activities, academic programs, athletic programs, and the arts.
For 25 years the Mercy/Xavier Walk-A-Thon was a spirited and competitive student fundraiser. This year the tradition was renewed. The campaign kicked off Oct. 1, and culminated with walks around the track by each class.
“It was just a great day here at Xavier,” Headmaster Dave Eustis said. “After 23 years it was great to be back with Mercy in this event. A huge thanks goes out to all the donors, whether they are alums, parents, students, staff, faculty, people who just want to support Xavier and Mercy. We look forward to next year.”
Mercy Dean of Students Ann Drewry echoed the thoughts of Eustis.
“Being a 1997 graduate and in one of the last years to walk with Xavier, it is great to back 20-some years later,” Drewry said. “The spirit is the same, and the connection between the schools and is alive and present. And this great event helps bring in money to strengthen both schools and keep the camaraderie strong.”