A Walk to Remember Savannah will host its 2019 Memory Walk fundraising event from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, March 2 at West Chatham Middle School, 800 Pine Barren Road in Pooler. Proceeds raised from this Memory Walk will benefit the charitable organization’s mission of providing support to students who have suffered the loss of a parent or guardian. In 2018, the new organization funded $1,000 scholarships for 12 students and aims to raise enough funds to help 50 students in its second year.

Former NFL defensive end and current Vanderbilt Commodores defensive line coach Nick Eason will be in attendance as a special guest and speaker at this fundraiser. Concessions will be available during the Memory Walk, which serves as the organization’s largest annual fundraiser. Jimmy Johns will be selling sandwiches for $5 each, with a portion of proceeds being donated to A Walk to Remember. Banners memorializing loved ones can be purchased and will be displayed at the Memory Walk. This commemorative walk, symbolizing loss and hope, is suitable for all to participate.

Studies¹ have found that one in 15 children will experience the death of a parent/guardian or sibling by age 18. A Walk to Remember recognizes the effect that losing a loved one can have on a student’s academic performance. The scholarship program supports, motivates, and rewards the academic achievements of bereaved students.

“This is an issue that occurs more frequently than people realize,” said A Walk to Remember coordinator Judy Blackston. “During my 22 years of teaching, I saw kids forced to drop out of school after the death of a parent. Our goal is to provide scholarships to keep kids in school to further their education, helping ensure their future success in spite of the grief they have endured.”

Research² has shown that nearly 70 percent of teachers have at least one grieving student in their classrooms, however only 7 percent of educators have had bereavement training at any level. Acknowledging the lack of information available on helping a child who is struggling with grief, A Walk to Remember has extended its program to supply educators with resources needed for coping with grief in their schools and classrooms.

“We commend A Walk to Remember for their support of students in our community who have lost a parent or guardian,” said SCCPSS Chief Public Affairs and Administrative Services Officer Kurt Hetager. “The outpouring of support offered during a child’s time of need is a critical factor in their ability to cope and eventually return to a sense of normalcy. The funds raised to support this scholarship effort have long lasting, life changing impact. Thank you to all who are able to support this community partner in this worthwhile cause.”

Teams are invited to participate in the Memory Walk for a minimum donation of $250 per group and the following sponsorships are available for individuals and businesses:

Table Sponsor: $100

Bronze Sponsor: $500

Silver Sponsor: $1,000

Gold Sponsor: $1,500

Charitable Heart Sponsor: $5,000