Walk for women: Annual fundraiser helps raise money for SEMO athletic scholarships

To celebrate women's athletics and raise money for athletic scholarships, Southeast Missouri State University's Athletics Department will hold its sixth annual Walk for Women on April 13.

Although the scholarships benefit men and women athletes at Southeast, the event is meant to spotlight the women's teams, which can sometimes be overshadowed, said Cindy Gannon, senior associate director of athletics at the university.

"Southeast is a member of Division I athletics, but our athletic scholarships are not fully funded at the level they could be," Gannon said. "We want to raise that level of funding."

The walk provides more than financial assistance for the athletes, however. As athletes and members of the community come together for the event, Gannon said the collegiate-level athletes have the opportunity to act as mentors for young, aspiring athletes.

"So many of our men and women athletes are great role models, and I think it's important for them to encourage younger kids, especially the girls," Gannon said.

Cindy Knudtson has been a volunteer for the walk all six years and is a member of the Strike Force Committee, which recruits walkers and gathers business donations. As a member of the Cape Girardeau community and supporter of the university, she said this event is a great way for the university and surrounding communities to directly interact.

"It's exciting," Knudtson said. "It is a university event, but it involves the supporting community and so many kids around this area get involved, too."

Gannon said event organizers try to encourage all members of the community to participate in the 30-minute walk, which begins at Houck Stadium and winds its way around the Southeast campus, by making it as effortless as possible.

"We've had to alter our path a little due to construction," Gannon said. "But we're working on a path that is stroller friendly and avoids steep hills or stairs and still shows the beauty of the campus."

Knudtson said anyone who attends Southeast athletic competitions to support the various Redhawk teams should also be a supporter of Walk for Women. It's only one day, she said, but it can make a four-year difference for some athletes.

"I've heard testimonies from two or three athletes that said they would not be on this track if not for Southeast and these scholarships," Knudtson said. "When the football players or soccer players come down and tell you 'thank you for your support,' you realize you're changing lives."

Those interested in participating in the walk may join a team, become a captain and register their own team, or simply register as a walker, said Gannon. Walkers may register the day of the event or by visiting www.gosoutheast.com and clicking on the Walk for Women icon. A donation of $25 for adults and $10 for children is suggested and earns the donor a Walk for Women T-shirt, although the donation is not a requirement for participation.

Check-in begins at 9 a.m. at Houck Field House and the walk begins at 10 a.m. At 10:30 a.m. the walk concludes and participants are invited to stay for refreshments and prize drawings. The team that raises the most money will be awarded the Kim Mothershead Award, in honor of the walk's first chair. In addition to helping start the walk, Mothershead, who died in August, previously served on the university's board of regents.

"This is truly a celebration," Gannon said. "In sports we can get so caught up in wins, losses and regulations, but this is a day to celebrate the positive impact of athletics."

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

400 Houck Place, Cape Girardeau, MO