Concerned Auburn residents will endure possible blisters and sore feet to raise awareness about the hunger problems in Alabama and the rest of the world. "It is a great way to rally students who are passionate about world hunger and hunger related issues, but it is an opportunity to take that passion to the capital," said Emily Butler, junior in human development and family studies and representative for the Committee of 19. "This allows those who represent us to take notice of how important it truly is to abolish this issue."
The Committee of 19 organized its second annual 60-mile hunger march Saturday, which ends at the steps of the capitol building in Montgomery. Butler said the expected turnout for the three-day march is approximately 70 people. Each person pays $10 to participate, which covers the cost of the T-shirts worn. Butler said the committee also asks each participant to be sponsored by three outside people.
"These sponsorships are a way of helping buffer the costs of food, medical kits and to help tip the nice patrol officers who graciously give of their time to keep us safe," Butler said. Participants will sleep inside churches on Saturday and Sunday nights before marching the final 10 miles Monday morning. The group is expected to arrive at the capitol at 12:30 p.m. and will hold a rally on the steps of the building. Several politicians, including gubernatorial candidates for 2010, are expected to speak at the rally. Butler said last year's march was successful, despite torrential downpours.
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