CLINTON, IOWA - June 5, 2012 - A Clinton teenager with a family history of child abuse is saying "Enough!" and built a team of over 44 people to walk with her for the End. McKenzley Morris has raised hundreds of dollars in pledges and inspired local teachers to build a team of their own.

The 1,000 Mile Journey is a one mile walk for the end of child abuse going from the Courthouse to Bandshell Park in Clinton, Iowa and these local young people are taking that stand with hundreds of others.

On Sunday, June 10th, at 1:00 pm McKenzley Morris and Hanna Roth, Founder of The Rainbird Foundation will be speaking to those walking in The 1,000 Mile Journey. The event is sponsored by Brenton Williams Financial, Ashford University, and Clinton Printing. Local non-profits working in the area of ending child abuse will have booths including the Discovery Center, YWCA, Big
Brothers Big Sisters, Make a Wish, and Every Child Matters.

Live music by David Smith and activities for children make for a fun day for the kids. Proceeds go to the local participating non-profits and to the local Iowa affiliate of The Rainbird Foundation, a 501(c)(3) committed to the end of child abuse.

"It's a community effort," says Walk Director Shirley Darsidan. "We're asking Clinton, the Quad Cities, and surrounding communities to join us by walking one mile. 1,000 people walking one mile is easier and more fun than one person walking 1,000 miles. Ending child abuse requires the same, each person taking the next step, small or large, will make the difference. The 1,000 Mile Journey can be the next step."

Registration for children 12 and under is free, teens are $10, twenties are $20, and adults 30 and older are $30. Each participant is encouraged to raise pledges, funds that will be granted to local organizations, and prizes will be given to the top pledge earners.

Organizers are asking people to register online in advance at www.1000milejourney.org or from 6-8pm Friday the 8th at Riverside Restaurant on 2nd Street. For more information, please contact Shirley Darsidan at shirleydarsidan@rainbirdfoundation.org.
at The 1,000 Mile Journey

CLINTON, IOWA - June 1, 2012 - The 1,000 Mile Journey is a one mile walk for the end of child abuse going from the Courthouse to Bandshell Park in Clinton, Iowa. This is the inaugural event for Iowa in partnership with The Rainbird Foundation, a 501(c)(3) committed to the end of child abuse in all forms for all children everywhere. (www.rainbirdfoundation.org)

On Sunday, June 10th, at 1:00 pm Clinton teenager McKenzley Morris and Hanna Roth, Founder of The Rainbird Foundation will be speaking to those walking in The 1,000 Mile Journey. The event is sponsored by Brenton Williams Financial and Ashford University as well as other local businesses. Local non-profits working in the area of ending child abuse will have booths including the Discovery Center, YWCA, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
 
Live music by David Smith and activities for children from the Discovery Center make for a fun day for the kids. Proceeds go to the local participating non-profits and to the local Iowa affiliate of The Rainbird Foundation, a 501(c)(3) committed to the end of child abuse.

"Every step someone takes, large or small towards the end of child abuse matters," says Walk Director Shirley Darsidan. "We're asking Clinton, the Quad Cities, and surrounding communities to join us by walking one mile and create a mass of people in our state who care about this issue and Registration for children 12 and under is free, teens are $10, twenties are $20, and adults 30 and older are $30. Each participant has the opportunity to raise pledges and prizes will be given to the top pledge earners. Organizers are asking people to register online in advance at www.1000milejourney.org or from 6-8pm Friday the 8th at Riverside Restaurant on 2nd Street. For more information, please contact Shirley Darsidan at shirleydarsidan@rainbirdfoundation.org.