Chickathon clucks way to $9,000

SPARTA-The St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Chickathon, a 5K walk through the Sussex County Township of Sparta, came off without a hitch. Forty-one human walkers, joined by four canine particpants, raised $9,000, with more monies pledged. The Chickathon had been planned for several months as a fundraiser for Heifer International, a non-profit global organization that has trained over four million people in animal care and environmentally sound agricultural practices, with the goal of lifting them out of poverty into self-reliance. When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, Heifer agreed that all monies collected through the walk would be sent to the Katrina Relief Fund. A chicken barbecue was served after the walk. Costumed church members who entertained participants included Al Vonderahe as Coop Crusader, Tim Moran as the Phantom Bantam, Larry Ostuni as Rhode Island Fred, Carol Lynch as Biker Chick. In addition to the Chickathon monies, the St. Mary’s Episcopal Church outreach committee approved $2,000 for Gulf Coast relief to be sent to Episcopal Relief and Development, a worldwide relief agency which provides money and resources in times of emergency or disaster. St. Mary’s is located at 85 Conestoga Trail, off Route 181 Woodport Rd. For information, call 973-729-3136. Sunday Eucharistic services are held at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Evening Eucharistic services take place at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays.