Batesville, IN — The final tally for the Ripley County CROP Walk to fight hunger, which was held in early October, shattered last year’s amount.
A total of $17,208.12 was raised this year, compared to $7,321.70 in 2021.
Organizers believe the huge bounce in monetary donations can be traced to the fact that this year’s event was dedicated to Creighton Leptak Jr., who was the Pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church Crossroads and CROP Walk chairman until his passing last Christmas Eve at the age of 52.
A large number of St. Paul members took part in this year’s walk to honor Pastor Leptak’s memory.
Twenty-five percent of the money raised goes to the Milan, Sunman, Delaware, and Batesville food pantries. The remaining 75 percent will be used to fight hunger in the U.S. and around the world.
Around 80 walkers and other participants were involved in this year’s walk, which started at Batesville’s Liberty Park, proceeded to the Southeastern Indiana YMCA, and back to the park.
Organizers say all of this year’s contributions – be they monetary or otherwise – are greatly appreciated.
