SVdP Detroit's 2025 Friends of the Poor Walk Featured in Detroit Catholic

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Detroit's annual Friends of the Poor Walk was recently highlighted by Detroit Catholic, showcasing how this beloved community event brings together neighbors to support those in need. 

This year's walk saw 323 participants come together for a day of fellowship and fundraising, raising over $18,000 so far with additional donations still being collected. The event featured music from DJ Stacey "Hotwaxx" Hale and opening remarks from Mary Lynn Faunda Donovan, CEO, and Barbara Radecki, Council President. 

"As Vincentians, we're all about fellowship and friendship, so what better way to do that than this beautiful day with all these beautiful people?" said Barbara Radecki, president of the board of directors for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the Archdiocese of Detroit. "As a Vincentian, you could go up to anybody who is here and have a connection with them because of the work that we do." 

The walk exemplifies SVdP Detroit's mission of building community through service. As CEO Mary Lynn Faunda Donovan noted in the article, "Part of our mission is growing in holiness through a network of friends, and this type of event really exemplifies that. We're all a network of friends, and being able to come together in raising funds with a passion for helping others really makes a big difference." 

All funds raised through the Friends of the Poor Walk directly support SVdP Detroit's programs that serve neighbors facing challenging times, including homelessness prevention, utility assistance, and emergency aid. 

Read the full Detroit Catholic coverage: St. Vincent de Paul's annual Friends of the Poor Walk supports outreach efforts