Hundreds take part in 16th annual Kids Helping Kids Fun Walk

Some 1,000 participants took part in the 16th annual Kids Helping Kids Fun Walk benefiting Catholic Charities of East Tennessee’s Columbus Home.

More than $40,000 was raised for Columbus Home at this year’s one-mile Fun Walk, held May 4 at Knoxville Catholic High School. Children and adults of all ages participated in the walk. Deacons, priests, and women religious were among the 1,000 as well.

Harrison Smith, a KCHS graduate and current safety for the Minnesota Vikings, served as honorary chair of the walk and volunteered for the dunking booth with Father Rich Andre, CSP, associate pastor of John XXIII University Parish and Catholic Center.

Frank Murphy of Star 102.1 FM emceed the walk. In October, Mr. Murphy took part in a Host With the Most fundraiser to benefit Catholic Charities. At the Kids Helping Kids walk, Mr. Murphy presented a check for $1,615.50 from the Host With the Most event to Sister Mary Christine Cremin, RSM, executive director of CCET.
Besides the walk, the event also featured inflatable games, face painting, and many other activities.

Harrison Smith said he was flattered to be a part of Catholic Charities’ Columbus Home Kids Helping Kids Fun Walk on May 4 at his alma mater, Knoxville Catholic High School.

The Minnesota Vikings safety and former University of Notre Dame football standout was the honorary chair of the 16th annual event.

“It’s awesome and it’s flattering to be able to make an impact and be part of such a great event to help kids at the Columbus Home,” Mr. Smith said.

After taking part in the Fun Walk, Mr. Smith had to leave for the airport because duty called.

“We have to go back to workouts tomorrow in Minneapolis, so I’m going to go catch this flight,” he said.

Mr. Smith was injured for much of the 2013 season, his second in the NFL.

“I missed half of the games. I missed eight games from a turf toe injury,” he said.

Mr. Smith still managed to record 58 tackles, 47 of them unassisted, and two interceptions in a half-season’s work. In two games against Detroit, he made 19 combined tackles – 10 in the road meeting with the Lions and nine in the game at Minneapolis.

Now recovered from the injury, he’s raring to go for the 2014 season.

“I am. I’m ready to go, so I’m just excited to start the season,” he said.

Drafted in 2012, Mr. Smith is already headed into year three in the NFL.

“Third year coming up, so time flies by,” he said.