Greenhouse campaign hits halfway mark

Seventy-six days and counting.

That’s how many consecutive mornings Richard Atkinson has walked his 3-mile loop around town in a quest to raise funds for a new educational greenhouse at Whitefish High School.

Atkinson pledged to walk every day for 151 consecutive days to raise awareness for the campaign.

Last week the “Older Man Walking” fundraising campaign hit the halfway point as students have raised $12,500 of the $25,000 goal. Atkinson has pledged to match the same amount to finish off the costs.

He says he’s been impressed with the hard work students are putting into the campaign.

“They’ve made appointments and met with bank presidents in town and made solicitations,” he said. “I joined them, but just sat in the background and listened. They did great.”

With about 75 days to go, Atkinson is anxious to wrap up the campaign.

“I’d love to stop walking,” he joked.

To make a donation, contact the Whitefish Community Foundation at www.whitefishcommunityfoundation.org or call 863-1781.