Hikers raise funds for clean air

Saturday, April 26, hikers from eight states gathered to raise money for the Friends of the Smokies in the first ever Smoky Mountain University™ Hike-a-thon. States represented by the hiker registrants were: Tennessee, Louisiana, Florida, South Carolina, Iowa, Michigan, Indiana, and Alabama. “We come to hike the Smokies every year,” commented Tom Bursma, hike participant, “So it was especially fun this year to have something we love to do also make a contribution to a large project such as air clean up.” Smoky Mountain University™ was created in 2002 to raise awareness of “campus” needs such as pollution solutions. The University mission is to build a student body that is willing to have some fun to help the 500,000 acres of the “campus,” better known as the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. “Campus” trails enjoyed by hike-a-thon participants were Grotto Falls, Rainbow Falls, Laurel Falls, Cumberland Gap and the Gatlinburg Trail. Registration was held at The Happy Hiker of Gatlinburg in the morning as participants chose their trails according to their personal or group choice. Hikers received an official Smoky Mountain University™ 2003 Hike-a-thon shirt along with being treated to a delicious dinner at the Bennetts Pit Barbeque, also of Gatlinburg. Hikers Gary and Jeanne Miller of New Haven, Indiana won a two-night stay at a luxury log cabin given by sponsor Larry Reese of ERA in the Smokies. The Hike-a-thon raised over $1000 through registration fees along with strong support from the following sponsors: The Smoky Mountain Herald, The Happy Hiker, BF Graphics, Duffs Smorgasbord, Cupid’s Petals, Deer Ridge Mountain Resort, Timber Tops, Lloyds of Gatlinburg, ERA in the Smokies, Kimble Real Estate and Rentals, Johnson, Murrell & Associates, Star Cars Museum, The Pancake Pantry, Gary Woods Photography, Alamo Steakhouse, Bennetts Pit BBQ, and the Brainstorm Cafe. All funds are donated to the Friends of the Smokies. Visit www.smokymountainuniversity.com for dates of future hikes and fund raising activities and for updates on campus events.