The Minerva Area YMCA held its 16th annual Unity Walk on Sunday, April 27, at the Minerva High School.

Teresa Arrasmith, executive director of the YMCA, reported it was a beautiful day for local charitable groups to walk the 10K route to raise funds for their respective charities. She indicated that a portion of the proceeds goes toward the Strong Kids Campaign at the Minerva Area YMCA, which allows the Y to keep its promise that no one is turned away due to the inability to pay.

More than 200 participants, both youth and adults, participated in the walk. Walkers were served refreshments of pizza, chips and drink, which were provided in part by Kishman's IGA and Gionino's Pizzeria, and bottled water provided by the Medicine Shoppe.

The Minerva High School National Honor Society took top honors with the Fundraiser Award in raising the most funds. In addition, the following groups also participated: Alliance Youth Wrestling, Boy Scout Troop 150, Football Mothers Club, Minerva High School Cheerleaders, Minerva Middle School Cheerleaders, Minerva Martial Arts, Inc., St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Students on Tour, United Eagles Wrestling, YMCA Child Care and YMCA Wellness Team.

The YMCA Unity Walk would not be possible if it were not for the following major sponsors: Consumers National Bank, Kishman's IGA, Lions Den and Miller & Company.

"Their invaluable continued support has enabled this event to be so successful for the village of Minerva and surrounding communities," Arrasmith said.

The YMCA also appreciate its Shoe Sponsors: Gotschall-Hutchison Funeral Home, Minerva Martial Arts, and Specialty Design Group, Inc. The YMCA wishes to thank the Minerva High School for allowing the Y to use the track, the police department for helping maintain traffic control for the safety of the Unity Walk participants, Ray Shahan for technical support and to all the many volunteers that make this community event so beneficial to everyone.