7th Annual Dick’s Drive-In Walkathon is this Saturday

For the seventh year in a row, two Ballardites will be leading the way for the Dick’s Drive-In Walkathon, a fundraiser in which participants walk to all six Seattle Dick’s while raising money for Seattle area homeless organizations.

Homegrown Ballardite Lars Phillips and his friend JP Osseward started the event seven years ago, which has grown significantly each year. Last year they raised $11,000 for local organizations; this year they’re aiming to raise over $15,000.

The 22-mile trek, which attracted 64 walkers last year, could have more than 225 participants this year. The walk will start at 10:40 am at the Edmonds Dick’s. They’ll then walk to Lake City, then Holman Road, Wallingford, Broadway, and finish at Queen Anne by 7:45 pm. Everyone who walks the entire route will get a cheeseburger at the final Dick’s on Queen Anne. (For the estimated times at each location, visit their Facebook page about the event.) To join in, register online for $20. Registration fees will go to the Change for Charity organizations, and all those who register will get a t-shirt.

“Interested Walkers are encouraged to gather at any Dick’s Drive-In location throughout the day and walk all legs, just one leg or form a relay!” according to the event info. “Don’t forget to say ‘RoundUP for Charity’ while you’re at each location. Gravity Payments and Dick’s Drive-In are double matching all RoundUP donations on September 30th, up to $5,000. That means we could raise $15,000 for our partner charities!”

The funds raised through the walkathon will go to Mary’s Place, First Place School, FareStart, ROOTS Young Adult Shelter, The Compass Center, Operation Nightwatch, St. Martin de Porres Shelter, and Cocoon House.