CRWC hopes to raise $15K with annual fund-raiser

The Clinton River Watershed Council (CRWC) will be hosting its annual fund-raiser on July 28.

For the past three years the council has held a Walk-A-Thon at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak, although a variety of other events have been held to raise funds for the organization. .

“It’s a family-friendly event,” said Anne Vaara, executive director of the CRWC. “People can bring their kids. What’s cool about the walk is that it’s at the zoo. They open it up to our group first, so for the first hour or so we have the zoo to ourselves. It’s really quiet, and the animals are really active.”

Check in begins at 7 a.m. with the walk beginning at 8 a.m.

Vaara said the event is quite popular, with about 150 walkers participating, although the council is hoping for more this year.

To participate in the Walk on the Wild Side for the Clinton River and Lake St. Clair, you can register and donate online at ; or register at the CRWC office at 1115 W. Avon Road in Rochester Hills.

The organization hopes to raise $15,000 this year through online donations, pledges, and sponsorships.

“The funds raised will be used for our programs and services, including our many educational and stewardship programs that we have for adults and students,” Vaara said.

The cost of the ticket to the zoo is discounted to $10 and people can donate whatever amount they want, Vaara said.

“People have fun at this event,” Vaara said. “It’s not a race. There’s a starting point but then people can just meander and enjoy the zoo. They are welcome to stay the entire day.”