2025 SML Walk to End Poverty
Makes A Huge Difference for Local Families in Need!

Thank you to our generous SML community! The 2025 Walk to End Poverty, held at SML State Park on September 20, was a huge success - generating a historic $197,648 for Lake Christian Ministries’ vital services for local families in need. This amount represents the most funds ever generated from this event!

These funds are needed now more than ever before. Over the past three years, we have seen a 58% increase in the number of families who have received food, crisis financial aid, and New Tomorrows Program services from Lake Christian Ministries. We are extremely grateful for the unbelievable community support - 305 donors provided donations through the 2025 event. Funds generated from the Walk will go to work immediately to assist the growing number of families who have been severely impacted by prolonged high costs for rent, utilities, and food.

The event engaged teams and individuals from schools, civic groups, neighborhoods, businesses, and churches who answered a sponsor challenge match to make a difference for local families struggling with financial crisis. Team honors went to the SML Fraternal Order of Eagles #4344 for the largest team contribution of $52,245 and to Trinity Ecumenical Parish for generating the most participants – a total of 46.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make the 2025 SML Walk to End Poverty a record success. Event sponsors, Capps Home Building Center and an anonymous supporter; as well as supporting sponsors: Jo & Co; Jewelers; Body Shoppe Fitness; Centra; Gilbert Law; Ringmaster Services; Eastman Construction; Southside Electric Cooperative; Anthem Healthkeeers Plus; SML Fraternal Order of Eagles #4344; Mary Lou McDonald- ML Realty; and SML Insiders provided dollar-for-dollar matching funds for the first $50,000 donated.

This warm and wonderful event is a great example of “Neighbors Helping Neighbors”! We look forward to the 2026 Walk to End Poverty and hope all our sponsors, team leaders, walkers, and supporters will be back to impact poverty in the SML community.

Thank You for Your Outstanding Support

Through the 2025 SML Gives Day!

Wow! We are overwhelmed with the outstanding support we received through the 2025 SML Gives Day. Together we generated $77,751 for Lake Christian Ministries’ vital services. These funds will go to work to address growing needs for local families struggling with poverty.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for wrapping your arms around our mission to care for our vulnerable neighbors during difficult times! A special thank you goes to our three generous LCM supporters who provided a $1 for $ match for the first $28,000 donated. This challenge match was met by 127 donors who care deeply about assisting our neighbors in crisis.

Your donation will be used to help families who are struggling with poverty move toward a more secure future. Your generosity will have a lasting impact. Together we are making a difference.