The United Way of Central Kansas walked among the lights of Veteran’s Memorial Park this past Friday to encourage exercise, family, and giving during this Holiday Season. The Light to Unite Holiday Hustle had to be postponed due to weather, but the event went on and was a great night of fun. After registering to walk through the lights, participants had a chance to purchase glow wear for a small donation and picked up their elf shoes which were filled with water donated by Wheatland Electric, stocking caps and headbands made by Roth Embroidery, and brochures for all of the Community Partners that work with the United Way. After a warm-up with Jazzercise, the group of bikers, walkers, and runners, all started off to enjoy the lights up close. “It was a lot of fun to see everyone decked out in ugly sweaters, and the bikes, wagons, and strollers all lit up. As you walked you could see the glow of the rest of the participants and it was beautiful to see our lights within the great display that the City of Great Bend puts up each year.”, said Julie Bugner-Smith. After the walk was finished, prizes were awarded for the Ugliest Sweater, with Brian Staats winning, and the Most Lit-Up Wheels, with Dale Hogg winning. Participants enjoyed hot chocolate, sugar cookies, and candy canes.  
The United Way of Central Kansas would like to thank all of the sponsors: Schepmann Angus Ranch; Adams, Brown, Beran, & Ball; Anytime Fitness; Stueder Contractors; Jazzercise; Chris and Nikki Omenski; Wheatland Electric; Curves; Shopko; Great Bend Tribune; Roth Embroidery; Golden Belt Printing; and Great Bend Recreation. Event organizers, who donated their time and expertise to put on the event were Nikki Omenski, Angela Schepman, and Tanya Staats.