Despite the heat wave, a record number of 11,400 walkers came out for the event in this, its 27th year. And we posed for pictures with hundreds of them. As with any other place where the 501st Legion shows up, we met a lot of excited fans. It seemed like everyone wanted to get their picture with the Stormtrooper, "Princess Leia," and "Darth Vader"... As Thomas put it, "Well, one out of three ain't bad."
As the sun rose, and the crowd moved to the start of the parade, we took up our traditional positions past the starting line, where we handed out Thomas's patented "Sci-Fives" to everyone heading out on the walk. With the massive number of attendees, and no shade in sight, this proved to be the most difficult part of the morning. We were cheering on the walkers and taking pictures for a solid 45 minutes there after the parade stepped off. Yeah... There were a LOT of people walking!
I'd like to extend a very special thank you to both Thomas and Gina for coming out to this event on just two days' notice and on a very busy and very hot Saturday so we could make an appearance as a group for the kids and families there. This cause is more important than ever these days, and it really wouldn't have felt right for us to miss it. It took all three of us to make this troop happen, and I owe you both a debt of gratitude for suiting up and trooping it with me.
No direct funds were raised by the MWG, but indirect numbers are still being calculated and won't be finalized until after July 31st.
http://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/site/TR ... 0&pg=entry
Members (added to ToD)
* 06/23/12 IL Chicago - Greater Chicago Food Depository Hunger Walk
1876 (SL)
6216 (Padme)
8968 (TK)
STAR WARRIORS - ASSEMBLE!
Photos courtesy of Thomas Spanos.
