17th Annual Nancy Gilbert Rhodes
Walk for All Ages
On Sunday, June 12, scores of volunteers supported the United Methodist Homes' Fellowship Fund by participating in the 17th
annual Nancy Gilbert Rhodes Walk for All Ages. The route began at the Great Auditorium Pavilion on Pilgrim Pathway, and ended
at Francis Asbury Manor on Stockton Avenue.
During the registration period members of the Great Auditorium Choir performed, the Ocean Grove Historical Society gave tours
of the historic tent neighborhood and a tent interior and youth played games on the lawn area. The event brought opportunities
for exercise, philanthropy, volunteer service, entertainment, and intergenerational fellowship.
They joined in one purpose—to raise proceeds for the Homes' Fellowship Fund, which maintains residents who have outlived
their financial resources. The Homes has kept this promise since its founding in 1907. Many participants, who have personally
contributed and/or raised support from others, do so because of the care given to a grandfather, mother or other family member.
While every walker received a tee shirt, wristband and a free one-day Ocean Grove beach pass, awards were also given. The top
fundraising adult team, The Shores at Wesley Manor, led by
Nancy Gilbert Rhodes, for whom the walk and trophy are named, won with over $10,000 contributed. The team has won the trophy
three of the last four years. Members of the highest fundraising youth team each won a free registration to the upcoming
annual Ocean City Youth Weekend. Last year walk proceeds totaled over $65,000; the total for 2011 is expected soon.
The Walk's business sponsors contributed over $24,000. The highest giving companies included the Weston Group Rehabilitation
Services, Atlantic Trust Private Wealth Management, Hawks and Company, Partner's Pharmacy, Pike Construction Company, PNC Bank,
Johnson Kendall & Johnson, American Plus Printers, and Morrison Senior Dining. The Central Jersey Bank (Ocean Grove branch) provided bottled water.
At Francis Asbury Manor walkers of every generation enjoyed lunch and entertainment by a strolling magician; the praise band, True North;
marimba students of the renowned Lee Howard Stevens’ summer seminar; and games.