Among the 4,000 dedicated people out walking to support the United Negro College Fund’s Walk for Education on Saturday, May 17, were about 70 Caltrans employees who joined together to help raise important educational funds, as well as to have fun and get fit too.

District Director Douglas R. Failing led the enthusiastic group of Caltrans walkers, which also included External Affairs Deputy Deborah Robertson, Program and Project Management Deputy Tad Teferi, Media Relations Chief Deborah Harris, and scores of other participants.  Caltrans employees also staffed a small-business booth to distribute important public information.

The 3.5-mile walk was coordinated by a dedicated committee consisting of Darryl Mays, Ozell Wilson, Labell Washington, John Cook, Eulinda Moore, Pat Gardenhire, Raashan Bernard, Loretta Crum, Barbara Levise, Nikita Peterson, Bridgette Taylor, Joyce Gersham, Morris Brown, Susan Harris, Carmen Roberts, Chevator Jackson, Cheryl Kizer, Nate Farr and Stephanie Jones, who also serves as Chairperson for Caltrans’ fundraising activities. 

“The committee thanks our District Director, Doug Failing, for his leadership and support of this worthy cause,” said Jones.  “We also thank all District 7 and Los Angeles Department of Transportation employees for their participation in all of the UNCF fundraising events recently held at the District Office Building.  If it were not for all of you, we could not have accomplished our goals.”

The committee also sends their appreciation to Begin's Cafe for their assistance with a delicious barbecue; and two employees who also helped to make other recent fundraising events at the District Office Building so special.  “A special thank you to Harry Begin and his staff; to Rochelle Brown for making our wonderful giveaway baskets and flower arrangements; and to Daria Simolke, our tournament timekeeper,” added Jones.

Watch for new and exciting activities and fundraisers in the future.  Details will be forthcoming.