Above video provided by Dungeness Valley Health & Wellness Clinic.

Sequim Gazette staff

Leslie Lauren, development director for the Dungeness Valley Health and Wellness Clinic, called this year’s Fun Walk & Wellness Fair a big success, with more money raised than ever before. The annual event was made more special because it also celebrated the 10th year of clinic operations.

“It was fabulous,” Lauren said. “We raised $28,835. Our goal was $30,000 so we’re just a step away from our goal.”

More than 250 walkers showed up bright and early Saturday morning, Sept. 17, to choose either an easy 1-mile stroll or a more strenuous 5-mile walk.

Each year Dungeness Valley Lutheran Church and Trinity United Methodist Church engage in a little friendly competition, Lauren said. This year they split: With 48 walkers, the Lutherans’ Akaloo walking team had the greatest number of walkers. Lauren cited the efforts of Gwyn Wessel, who led the effort, saying, “She’s the one who motivated all those people.”

Trinity United Methodist raised more money, however.  

Lauren said the event’s other offerings were very popular, including a delicious lesson in good nutrition put together by Monica Dixon, a member of the clinic board.

Dixon sent the workers out fortified with a power drink made with green tea and fruit, then welcomed them back with “a fabulous salmon dish with raspberries,” Wessel said.

Lauren also expressed her gratitude to the event’s sponsors, including Olympic Ambulance, Sherwood Manor, The Lodge at Sherwood Village, The Fifth Avenue Retirement Center and the Sequim Gazette.