Common Ground steps up to raise funds, awareness with 5K walk

By Dan Bodene, contributing writer

Common Ground, an Oakland County-based crisis intervention agency, will host a 5K benefit walk at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 2, on Oakland University’s campus. Registration begins at 9 a.m.

The second annual walk, presented by Whole Foods, will be held to raise awareness and critical funds for Common Ground, a non-profit agency operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help youths, adults and families in crisis.

“While Common Ground serves more than 40,000 people annually, many more just aren’t aware of the many programs and services available,” said Richard Astrein, chairman of the walk. “This is an event where the entire family can be together while exercising for a good cause.”

There is no fee to participate in the walk, but every walker who raises at least $100 will receive a commemorative Walk on Common Ground T-shirt. Prizes will be awarded for teams and individuals who raise the most money.

“We know how difficult it is to make charitable donations in hard economic times,” said Common Ground President and CEO Tony Rothschild. “This is an affordable way for the community to support us while raising awareness of crisis services available to the community.”

Terrie Meerschaert, a client of Common Ground’s Survivors of Suicide Support Group, is this year’s ambassador for the event. She will speak about her experiences with her son’s suicide, and about Common Ground.

Other sponsors of the event include Buddy’s Pizza of Auburn Hills, Absopure, Einstein Brothers Bagels, Starbucks, Costco, Cosi, Astrein’s Creative Jewelers, Best Bet Party Rental, Peer Choices and DJ Vic Trevino of Music for the Masses.

To register for the walk, e-mail Nicole M. Pettibone at npettibone@commongroundhelps.org or call (248) 451-3736. To volunteer for the walk, e-mail Cindy Hurley at churley@commongroundhelps.org or call (248) 451-3735.

Fundraising information is available by visiting Walk on Common Ground.