Flock of pink

“I think it’s a fun, silly way to handle a lot of hardship. Hopefully by people being able to gather together, it makes you feel like you’re not so alone.” — Lorie Moore, owner of Moore Brewing 

MOSES LAKE — A sea of pink lined the Gavinski Trail at Neppel Landing on Saturday as dozens of community members gathered for the second annual Flock Walk, raising money and awareness for the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation.

Flamingos, chalk messages and bright shirts marked the path as roughly 60 participants walked together in support of friends, family members and neighbors affected by cancer. The event raised $4,600, according to organizers, with funds going directly toward services for local cancer patients.

“It’s events like these in the community that allow us to continue doing what we do,” said Amanda Carpenter, community relations coordinator for the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation. “It helps us continue serving our clients throughout Grant and Adams counties and helps more people know that we’re here.”

The funds raised will go into the foundation’s general services, including gas and grocery cards, support groups and its Meals to Heal program, which provides food assistance for those undergoing treatment.

The walk itself was planned and hosted by Moore Brewing Company, with owner Lorie Moore organizing the event for the second year in a row.

“We just get to show up and smile,” said Angel Ledesma, executive director of the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation. “We’re really fortunate to have partners like Moore Brewing and Lorie and her family supporting us.”

Ledesma emphasized the importance of local businesses in helping sustain the nonprofit’s mission.

“Local businesses and individuals help us support families with a cancer diagnosis,” Ledesma said. “We just really appreciate all of our partnerships in town.”

For Moore, the event is deeply personal. Inspired by a close friend’s involvement in cancer fundraising and her own family’s experiences with the disease, she wanted to create something that combined community, support and visibility.

“I think it’s a fun, silly way to handle a lot of hardship,” Moore said. “Hopefully by people being able to gather together, it makes you feel like you’re not so alone.”

Participants echoed that sense of connection. Many walked in honor or memory of loved ones, while others came to show support for those currently battling cancer.

Shelley Warkentin, a volunteer and first-time participant, said the event resonated on both a personal and community level.

“We’re all touched by cancer in some way, shape or form,” Warkentin said. “My dad passed away from cancer, and I have friends that currently have it. This is just a great cause and a great way to support our community.”

Warkentin also highlighted the welcoming atmosphere, noting that the event brought together both familiar faces and new connections.

“It’s nice to meet new people and just be part of something positive,” she said. “Anytime we can support something local and help the people we love, why not?”

Along the trail, walkers paused to write names of loved ones and messages of encouragement in chalk, turning the path into a moving tribute to those impacted by cancer. Volunteers cheered participants on as they made their way down and back, with music playing to keep spirits high.

Moore said seeing the event come together was emotional.

“When you see it actually come to life and the people who show up, it’s pretty magical,” she said.

Organizers also made improvements this year to enhance accessibility and safety along the route, helping ensure participants of all ages and physical abilities could take part.

Looking ahead, Moore hopes to continue the event for years to come.

“For every person that shows up, it helps support the foundation and keeps things moving,” she said. “Nobody goes through cancer alone.”

That sense of unity is exactly what organizers hope participants take away, that even in the face of hardship, community support can make a difference.

“Sometimes you think you’re alone,” Moore said. “But there are so many things that tie us together. This is about finding those connections.”

Want to donate to the cause? Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation takes online donations at https://www.columbiabasincancerfoundation.org/donate.

    Moore Brewing Staff and Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation staff hold the check of the funds raised at the second annual Flock Walk.
  

    Moore Brewing, organizing the Flock Walk, was able to raise nearly $4,600 for the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation Saturday.
  

    Lorie Moore, owner of Moore Brewing, checks her watch prior to the Flock Walk Saturday.
  

    A young Flock Walk participant runs ahead of the rest of the group. He said he was excited to run the path.
  

    Walkers make their way down the Gavinski Trail Saturday.
  

    Two Flock Walk participants high-five as they cross paths.
  

    Chalk was laid out along the path for people to write inspirational messages or their loved ones' names as they completed the Flock Walk Saturday.