SLEEP/WALK overnight at Road Ranger Stadium Nov. 12-13

From press release

Individuals and teams of all ages will discover what it’s like to be homeless at Rockford Rescue Mission’s first overnight SLEEP/WALK: Sleep a Night in My Box and Walk a Mile in My Shoes event, Nov. 12-13, at Road Ranger Stadium in Loves Park. The activity is designed to raise awareness of the plight of the hungry and homeless in the Rockford area while generating funds for the Mission’s life-changing programs and services.

Beginning at 7 p.m, Friday, participants will construct cardboard-box houses, hear actual testimonials of once-homeless people who received help at the Mission, watch the film The Blindside, the true story of a homeless youngster, enjoy the music of RAMI Award-winning band Hope Despite, and fall asleep under the stars. On Saturday morning, they’ll share a simple breakfast and participate in a one-mile walk to show solidarity and support for the homeless and poverty-stricken men, women and children in the greater Rockford area.

“There are hundreds of people in our area for whom homelessness is the only life they know. They are uncertain where their next meal will come from. They often sleep in alleyways or under bridges. They are more likely to be a victim than a victimizer,” said Rockford Rescue Mission Executive Director Sherry Pitney. “We hope this event will give our more fortunate friends and neighbors an opportunity to better understand the challenges the homeless face on a daily basis and learn how easy it is to make a difference in their lives.”

To participate in both segments–the sleep-out and the walk–individuals must raise a minimum of $50. Groups must contribute $100. All proceeds benefit Rockford Rescue Mission. At the conclusion of the walk on Saturday, prizes will be awarded to individuals and groups who raised the most funds. All individuals raising the minimum amount will receive event T-shirts as mementos of their unique experience.

“This is a brand-new twist on an annual event for the Mission–registrations are streaming in, and the excitement is already

From the Nov. 12-13, 2010 issue