Participants of the Wawasee Walk proceed down the driveway of the Rose Home for a tour and refreshments before returning to the Syracuse Community Center.

SYRACUSE — Despite temperatures in the high 80s, the annual Wawasee Walk began at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, at the Syracuse Community Center. This year the funds are to be split between Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County, the Rose Home and the Syracuse Wawasee Ministerial Association.

This year approximately 25 adults and children turned out for the Wawasee Walk. Over $2,000 was raised, with 100 percent being split between all three organizations.

The walk has been taking place for over five years. People could either support these organizations by walking or by pledging money to sponsor walkers. Normally walkers will either bring a buddy to walk with or find a buddy along the way. Each walker keeps their own pace.

Two different routes were available. One was approximately 2 1/2 miles and led to the Rose Home and back. The second, longer route was around Syracuse Lake and approximately 4 1/2 miles.

Snacks and tours of the facility were offered at the Rose Home as well as individuals answering any questions about their mission. A snack station for those on the longer route was available at the corner of Northshore Drive and Eastshore Drive.

Quick descriptions of the organizations were given prior to the walk. Beth Morgan spoke on behalf of the Rose Home. The Rose Home is a Christian-based halfway house located north of Syracuse. It helps drug and alcohol addicted women remain sober and get their lives back on track.

Brad Cox spoke on behalf of the Syracuse Wawasee Ministerial Association. They will use their portion of the money raised in their assistance fund which helps people in the community pay for gas, prescriptions, utilities and more.

Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County was represented by Mickey Kaufman. They help to provide safe, affordable housing for members of the community and recently held a dedication for the home they helped build for the Ratliff family.