Nebraska’s annual ‘50 Mile March’ aims to raise funds to empower veterans
LA VISTA, Neb. (WOWT) – Every year, participants in the 50 Mile March walk from the capitol building in Lincoln the Omaha metro. “One-hundred fifty people to walk 50 miles in unison for veterans, for their awareness, for their help,” said co-founder Jay Miralles. Organizers said the event is growing. In its first year, six walked and raised $24,000. At the fifth annual walk this Saturday, 150 people will make the journey with a $1.5 million goal.
“So far, we’re at $413,000, and we haven’t even stepped off foot yet from the capitol,” Miralles said. Consulting firm FranNet of the Heartland, which is one of the sponsors, said the money goes to several efforts to help vets. “Funds to help empower those struggling with mental health challenges and homelessness, most of which started with PTSD,” President Blake Martin said. Ten percent will go toward local groups working with vets.