DENVER - The Cunningham Foundation is pleased to announce the Step by Step Walkathon, Nov. 16 to 21, benefiting students of poverty-stricken Yetebon, Ethiopia, by raising money for meals, school supplies and clothing.

It is 8,325 miles from Denver to Yetebon, and the Step By Step Walkathon aims to bridge that distance by raising funds for every mile covered throughout the week.

To kick off the event, Governor Bill Ritter has committed to walking the first mile of this epic undertaking on a treadmill at the State Capitol on Nov. 16, from 9 to 10 a.m. When the Step by Step goal is reached, Governor Ritter will challenge the governors of the other 49 states to join this amazing event!

Also, the Colorado chapter of DECA, a national organization for secondary students enrolled in Marketing Education, has already issued the challenge to more than 7,000 of their members through the Quarters for Kids program.

You can join in the fun and help make a huge difference in the lives of those struggling with the basics of life in Yetebon by securing pledges for every mile you walk, run, jog or move during that week.

So get busy, challenge friends, schools, teachers, parents, and businesses - to participate in the rewarding joy of service, competitive spirit and become empowered to make a difference in the lives of others.

There is magic in every mile - with the help of you, your friends and family, we can turn these steps into improving the lives of children in Yetebon, Ethiopia.

Contact (303) 877-7072 or visit http://www.cunninghamfoundation.org to find out more and to make your pledge to begin this ambitious and compassionate journey.

The Cunningham Foundation was founded in 2003 with the mission of helping the courageous people of impoverished areas of Ethiopia to help themselves. The Foundation is the vision of Denver philanthropists, Noel and Tammy Cunningham, who were struck by both the poverty and amazing resilience they witnessed on a visit to Project Mercy in Yetebon, Ethiopia, nearly ten years ago.