The San Diego Chapter strives to give back to our community by donating to select charities each year. This year the chapter decided to work for a cause close to our hearts. In 2014, the San Diego Chapter lost one of our strongest supporters and advocates, Melinda Vuchetich, to the ravages of ALS. She was a wife, a mother, and a member of the San Diego Chapter board and family for many years. By choosing to participate in the Annual ALS 5K at San Diego’s Mission Bay, the chapter had the opportunity to raise money and awareness for the disease.
Christine Ness, CPP, President of San Diego Chapter, organized and spearheaded the 5k efforts with our Social Media Board Member, Jesse Norton. Together, the two worked hard to design and distribute the ‘Pay It Forward’ t-shirts which have now become the chapter’s slogan for charitable activities.
Registration for the Annual ALS 5K event started at 7 a.m. on Sunday, October 15, 2017, and the walk began at 9 a.m. The chapter participants were touched to hear notable speakers inspire the large crowd with facts, figures, and heartfelt stories of what brought us all together. The walk wound its way around the beautiful Mission Bay and friendships were formed over profound losses and the desire to find a cure to ALS.
Members from San Diego Chapter awaiting the start of the 5k to raise awareness for ALS.
The walk was a big success with five board officers and eight chapter members walking alongside approximately 1,500 San Diego walkers. We know that Melinda would have been front and center cheering on all participants!
The San Diego Chapter raised $2,250 for ALS and intends to raise even more money for the cause in 2018. The chapter will not forget our first walk and will continue to honor Melinda’s legacy by supporting this great cause in years to come.
The San Diego Chapter decided to make the Annual ALS 5K a yearly event to honor their beloved chapter member.
