Diocese of Gary

CEDAR LAKE – Members of the community joined with members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society on Sept. 25 for the annual Friends of the Poor Walk at Lemon Lake County Park. For nearly two decades, the fundraiser has served as an outward expression of the organization’s commitment to helping neighbors in need.

Cheryl Rekar was this year’s Walk Coordinator. While she has been involved with the Friends of the Poor Walk for the past five years, she credited the support of many other Vincentians who have participated since it began in 2007 – 19 years of Vincentians walking together in service to others.

“One of the most meaningful parts of this event is the fellowship,” Rekar said. “I especially enjoy connecting with fellow Vincentians and parishioners from other parishes throughout the Gary Diocese, sharing stories, friendship and a meal together. It is a beautiful reminder that we are part of a larger community united by faith and service.”

One exciting difference to this year’s itinerary was the addition of activities for those who wanted to attend but were not able to walk around the lake. The council also reached out to other St. Vincent de Paul societies that do not hold a similar event and invited them to join in helping to raise funds for their own conferences in their communities.

Rekar explained that the volunteers are known as Vincentians, women and men who are moved by their Catholic faith to serve those who are needy and suffering. Each St. Vincent de Paul Conference is unique, and the services offered may differ from one community to another.

“But when one conference is unable to meet a particular need, we strive to find another path to help, whether through another conference or through our council,” she said. “We believe there is always a lifeline worth reaching for.”

There are 22 SVDP conferences throughout the Diocese of Gary, and between 18 and 20 conferences, along with the council, participate in the Friends of the Poor Walk in various ways. Participation varies each year, with more than 100 people typically taking part. The final number of attendees is typically not known until the day of the walk, as individuals can register that day.

Some participants raise funds to support their local conference only, while others raise funds and join to simply spend time with fellow Vincentians, parishioners, family, and friends coming together for a meaningful cause.

Funds raised through this event help neighbors in the community during times of need – providing assistance with rent, preventing utility shutoffs, supplying food through local pantries, supporting disaster recovery and more.

“Everyone deserves a fair chance at a brighter future, regardless of income or life circumstances,” Rekar said. “We are here to serve our neighbors, stand beside them in difficult times, and offer what everyone deserves – compassion, dignity, help and hope.”

Rekar noted she is looking forward to celebrating the walk’s 20th year next year and is excited about expanding the event at that time, bringing even more Vincentians and parishioners together.

"‘Love thy neighbor’ is at the heart of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul; a simple belief: no one should have to face hardship alone,” she said. “With the strength of our community and the partnerships we build, we work to feed, clothe, house and help heal individuals and families who have nowhere else to turn for assistance.”

Council President Diane McKern commended Rekar on her first year in the role of Walk Coordinator, saying she brings youth and energy to the event.

“We appreciate her strong faith and her leadership,” she said.

McKern also mentioned that SVDP Council had a new walk website this year on Givebutter.com. Adam Mendenhall and Therese Reiter of St. James SVDP worked together to set it up and managed the technical aspects.

“There are approximately 400 Vincentians in our diocese. All our volunteers,” McKern added. “Many work full-time in this ministry, serving those in need and working with the community churches, agencies and organizations to provide for some of the needs. Our number one priority is to feed our spirituality so that we may serve those in need with the love and compassion that our Lord asks of us. Our faith motivates and sustains us in service to our neighbors in need.”

Vice President Phyllis Steiner has served as the St. James the Less Conference walk co-captain or captain for 12 out of the walk’s 19 years. She worked for 42 years in the corporate world where she had team leadership positions and the associated training for leadership.

“God wanted me to use this talent, especially to lead the fundraising effort of our conference,” she said.

Steiner set the conference goal to be $5,000 each year. She personally pledged to the team that she would raise at least $2,500.

“After 19 years, I can say that we have the organization of the walk ‘down to a T,’” she said. “Each year the walk team tweaks little things in the organization.”

Steiner emphasized that being a Vincentian is a vocation. Their work is not only outreach, but has a spiritual side as part of the Body of Christ. Like all church ministries, Steiner said, the organization needs members, particularly young adults in the community.  

“There is a true satisfaction and feeling of doing God's will in the work of ‘helping us help others,’" she said.

For more information about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, District Council of Gary and the Friends of the Poor Walk, visit https://societyofstvincentdepauldistri.com/2026-fop-walk.