Smith Honored for 25 Years of Walking the 'Walk for Hunger'

West Roxbury resident was honored at Project Bread’s recent Walk Celebration and Awards Ceremony to champion dedicated walkers, volunteers, and sponsors of the 2012 Walk for Hunger.

In 2012, Smith's 25th year of participating in the walk, he raised $2,770.13. During his years of walking, he has raised $21,413.58 to help fight hunger in Massachusetts, making him a member of Project Bread's Heart & Sole Circle and the Leadership Circle. 

Held at the Museum of Science in Boston, the ceremony recognized the success of the 44th annual Walk for Hunger, which had more than 43,000 participants and raised $3.6 million to help fight hunger in Massachusetts. For info or to donate, visit www.projectbread.org/walk.

Smith answered questions about his participating in Project Bread's Walk for Hunger:

Patch: How many years have your participated in the Walk for Hunger, and why did you first want to participate?

Smith: This was my 25th year taking part in it. The Walk for Hunger was started by a Paulist Father and while attending Boston University I was involved with Newman House which was run by the Paulists which is when I took part in my first Walk for Hunger.

Patch: Why have you continued to participate?

Smith: I continue to do it because I know I make a difference and know that every dollar I raise goes to help people in this state who need a hand. I think it is truly inspirational to see over 40,000 people from all walks of life taking time out on a weekend saying that hunger matters and we need to do something about it.

Patch: Do you walk with friends, family, the same people during the years?

Smith: In years past I’ve walked with people from BU or State Street, which is a corporate sponsor, but usually I walk by myself but you can never be alone and you can always start a conversation with someone else doing the walk.

Patch: What do you think about while you're walking?

Smith: With 20 miles maybe the question is what don’t you think about during the walk. No doubt I think I’m grateful that I have people who generously sponsor me. I couldn’t do the walk let alone finish it without their support. I think I’m grateful that I have the health to take part in it. Yes, that pint of ice cream is going to taste awfully good once I get home.

Patch: What do you think you were thinking the first time you walked?

Smith: I’m sure the first time I was thinking the same thought of most people…can I do 20 miles ?