AUBURN - On a perfect day for a walk, more than 150 people did so to fight hunger.

At Cayuga Community College, area residents came together to participate in the 31st annual CROP Walk on a brisk, partly-cloudy afternoon, Sunday. The walking fundraiser, which will also take place in 25 other locations across Central New York during October, raised money for both local and worldwide food programs.

Participants brought money donations to the college Sunday before taking the three-mile walk along North Marvine Avenue, East Genesee Street and Franklin Street. Local coordinator Laurie Trojnor estimated that the Auburn walk collected about $5,000.

A quarter of that money will be given directly to local food programs, while the rest will be given to worldwide charities.

The idea behind CROP Walk, which stands for Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty, is to help the public recognize the struggle of the millions of hungry people around the world, Trojnor said.

“This event gives us a chance to get an idea of what it is like for the people who have to walk for everything,” Trojnor said. “And we're talking working people, people who have jobs. There is hunger in our own backyard.”

CROP Walks are held across the country year-round. Each event is organized locally, and participants are recruited mostly at local church congregations. However, all of the events are organized in cooperation with the multi-denominational relief agency, Church World Service.

Amy Mahunik, 32, walked with her 8-year-old son, Matthew. One of the reasons Mahunik said she supported the CROP Walk this year is the knowledge that some of the money raised will stay in the area.

“It's a good cause, to raise money for the local food pantries,” said Mahunik, who lives in Auburn.

David Ward, 58, works as a youth pastor in Auburn and walked the three miles pulling a decorated wagon. The annual event is especially important for him because it gives the soup kitchen at his church, SS. Peter & John Episcopal, some support.

Ward also brought nine students from his youth group, who came up with the idea to pull the carts just to be different.

“It's a great event, and it gives (the students) a sense of doing something for others without getting anything in return,” Ward said.

Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net.