OUR OPINION: GARY WALTERS

Gary Walters did it again. The marathon swimming, long distance walking, water tower sitting, weight-losing, unicycle-riding advocate for Kinship Partners astounded his followers with another remarkable feat.

This time Gary and his son, Jackson Walters, traveled from Baxter to Washington, D.C., on in-line skates - a distance of 1,150 miles. They suffered sore muscles and the occasional scrapes, bumps and bruises to raise money for and awareness of Kinship Partners, an organization that provides mentors for young people in Crow Wing and southern Cass County. This year's Kinship challenge is expected to raise about $14,000. In seven years Gary Walters has raised about $100,000 for the nonprofit organization.

We need more people to do small things in their own communities, Gary Walters said after completing his latest challenge.

It's true the world's problems can seem overwhelming at times. But Walters and other Kinship mentors demonstrate every day that small kindnesses that are extended to a young child can have a tremendous impact.

Congratulations also go out to Gary's daughter, Jessica, who completed the journey by bicycle and to his wife, Lisa, who followed along to support the skaters with the family's vehicle.

A welcome home event is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Brainerd Kinship office at 910 Pine St. That event would be the perfect occasion for well wishers to congratulate Gary Walters and contribute suggestions for next year's challenge.