93.9 The Eagle – The News and Talk of Columbia, MO
Organizers are hoping for a good turnout for Saturday morning’s Walk to Defeat ALS at Columbia’s Cosmo-Bethel park.
Businessman John Cleek Jr. says check-in begins at 8:30, and the walk starts at 10.
“We’re looking to have people come out and support. Raise funds for research and programs and to help people and clients that do have ALS. So we’d love to have you come out,” Mr. Cleek says.
Cleek’s father, longtime Columbia businessman Tiger John Cleek, passed away in March after battling ALS.
Parker-Millard noted in its obituary that Tiger John wanted badly to beat ALS and knew that research was the only way a cure could be found. He and “Team Tiger” raised $83,000 during last August’s walk.
Organizers of Saturday’s walk say the key to finding a cure is research and that your contributions at the walk will be appreciated. Cleek Jr. tells 939 the Eagle that any contribution will help.
“If you’ve got five or ten bucks, that’s great. If you’re fortunate enough and you’ve got $500 or $1,000 or more, that’s even better. But again, any amount is great,” says Cleek.
Mr. Cleek says someone is diagnosed with ALS every 90 minutes.
The goal is this year’s Columbia walk is $45,000. The walk’s website says they’ve already raised $16,200, which is 36 percent of the goal.
Former Mizzou football coach Gary Pinkel says no one loved Mizzou more than Tiger John Cleek.
