Yaak Wings Walk celebrates 10th anniversary
During the 10 years of the Yaak WINGS Walk, some walkers have been very creative with their costumes. (Photo courtesy of Roberta Deneau)
The 10th anniversary of the Yaak WINGS Walkers was well-attended on Aug. 19, 2023. (Photo credit Bob Zaccheo)
The first Yaak WINGS Walk in 2013 was actually the effort of Roberta Deneau, who organized a walk to help her friend, Linda Garrison, who had been diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer. Deneau wanted to raise money to help with Linda’s medical bills. These are the first participants from 2013. From left are, Bob Zaccheo, Roberta Deneau, Kerri Fahlund, Pam Mayo, Laurel Chupp, Helen Carpenter and Jim Mayo. (Photo courtesy of Roberta Deneau)
Each spring, the residents of the Yaak are very generous with their time and money to raise money for Lincoln County Wings.
The proceeds are used to fund grants for Lincoln County cancer patients. The grant money is used for travel and other expenses incurred while undergoing cancer treatment.
The Yaak sponsors a walk as a second fundraising for Lincoln County Wings every summer. This year’s event had 23 participants and was held on Saturday Aug. 19.
Yaak resident and event organizer, Roberta Deneau, is hoping to exceed 2022’s total of $20,668. This is the 10th anniversary of the walk which has a long and rich history.
In May 2013, Roberta organized a walk to help her friend, Linda Garrison, who had been diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer. Roberta wanted to raise money to help with Linda’s medical bills.
The first walk had five people, Kerri Fahland, Helen Carpenter, Pam Mayo, Laurel Chupp and Roberta Deneau. Support vehicles were driven by Jim Mayo and Bob Zaccheo, who followed along as the walkers bravely hiked Highway 508 (the Yaak River Road). The goal was to walk Highway 508 from the Yaak River Tavern to U.S. 2. Linda passed away in November 2013 at the age of 56 but she inspired the continuation of an annual walk.
The following year the walk expanded to became part of the Wings fundraising activities in Lincoln County. Walkers ask for pledges by the mile or a lump sum.
In 2016, the walk was moved to August so it would not conflict with the May Wings Live auction. In 2017, the walk grew to over 40 people and was held on Labor Day weekend.
Over the years Linda Garrison’s children, Jackson and Aimee, have participated and donated to the walk.
The event is held in either August or early September with the hope for a bright, sunny day.
In its nine-year history, the walk has collected $136,951 for Lincoln County Wings. A few participants have been known to walk wearing angel “Wings” and in some interesting costumes such as (a dragon for example!) Others walk to celebrate finishing cancer treatment or in memory of a loved one lost to cancer.
Some participants are of the four-legged variety that also have collected pledges!
Donations of water and granola bars keep the walkers’ energy level high. Support staff is crucial to the success of this event. Bob Zaccheo has volunteered for 10 years driving up and down the Yaak River Road offering water and rides to the walkers.
Roberta has walked over 30 miles each year in addition to organizing the event and according to her the Yaak Wings Walk mantra has always been “We are each a crucial feather in the Wings that lift our neighbors.”
She remarked that “I know, corny, but I've had it on our (Facebook) page for forever, and people seem to like it.”
You can keep track of the fund-raising progress by visiting Yaak WINGS Walkers Facebook page.
