Where: Minnehaha Park, Minneapolis Wabun Picnic Shelter A
As in past years, we’ll be taking a leisurely walk (1.5 mile loop – or as far as you want to go) through the beautiful paved trails in Minnehaha Park. Then, after we’ve whipped up an appetite, we’ll be treated to a free picnic lunch with music, prizes, and an open space to play lawn games or just relax. If you don’t feel like walking, just come for the food and good company!
Why are we doing this? We have three main goals for this event:
• To raise some money for Open Access Connections. Donations can be made and solicited online, or you can solicit donations in person and get a check or cash. Bring any money you’ve collected to the Walk or the Open Access office.
• To have some fun! Minnehaha Park is a perfect location to get together, relax and picnic in a beautiful informal setting.
• To hear some good music. Guitarist and singer John Ward will be performing at the walk. Everyone enjoyed his music when he played at the last three walks.
Who can participate in the Picnic and Walk? Everybody! We’re hoping for full board and staff participation, and we’re looking forward to continued involvement by our 50+ Generation Group and all our supporters. Please feel free to bring your kids, friends and relatives. The park and the picnic area are family-friendly.
This year's walk is more than just a picnic--it's a celebration! During the 2013 Legislative Session, Open Access was able to obtain an appropriation from the state of Minnesota. With this funding,
we will be able to provide additional services to our voice mail users and 300
partner agencies. Representative Karen Clark played a key role in supporting
and advocating for this appropriation. The Generation 50+ Group has also become
influential strong. Last year the Generation 50+ Group led a non-partisan voter
drive, which registered more than 280 homeless and extremely low-income people
to vote. Let us celebrate our hard work and
accomplishments!
Remember: Everyone can contribute in his or her own way. You can participate in the walk and picnic whether or not you collect any donations; and you can raise money for the walk even if you can’t make it on September 21st. Please sponsor us by making a tax-deductible donation to Open Access Connections in one of two ways:
• Send a check to Open Access Connections, 1821 University Av., Suite N-184, St. Paul, MN 55104 (please note on the check who you are sponsoring); or
• Donate online at http://www.openaccessconnections.org (Click on "Donate Now" to arrive at the GiveMN.org page for Open Access; it will also list Twin Cities Community Voice Mail, our former name.) Click on the green Donate bar. After you fill in your donation, you can click the box to “Designate this donation for a specific cause”; then type in "Walk - sponsor____________." to sponsor individual walkers if you wish.
How can I get there? Minnehaha Park is on the light rail and along bus routes from Minneapolis and St. Paul. There’s an easily accessible parking area near the picnic area. See the Google Maps widget above for exact directions.
From Downtown St. Paul: Take the #21 bus westbound to Minnehaha Avenue then take #7 bus southbound to 46th Street Station.You can either make walk from 46th Street station or hop on the #46 bus which will take you to 46 St E & 46 Av S, which is very close to Wadun Picnic Shelter A.
From Downtown Minneapolis: Take #7 bus southbound to 46th Transit Center OR Take light rail from downtown to 46th Street Station. You can either make walk from 46th Street station or hop on the #46 which will take you to 46 St E & 46 Av S.
If you have any questions, please contact Sean at sean@openaccessconnections.org or call 651-603-5147. For more about Open Access Connections, visit www.openaccessconnections.org.
Thanks for your participation!
