Pictured are the Rotary Club of Jamestown team, including club treasurer Ruth Lundin; members Sharon Hamilton and Joni Blackman; and member Brandon O'Dell and club vice president Zach Agett, along with their families. Submitted photo

Members of the Rotary Club of Jamestown participated in the Coldest Night of the Year event in downtown Jamestown on Saturday, Feb. 28. The family-friendly winter walk is held each year to raise awareness around the issue of homelessness and is also intended to raise money for local organizations serving people experiencing homelessness, hunger, and hardship. This year’s event in Jamestown benefitted the YWCA of Jamestown’s Empower Her Housing initiative, which is designed to meet women and families. Through Legacy House and First House, women and children who are homeless or at risk of homelessness are provided safe, stable and affordable transitional housing. Participants are also supported in identifying their capabilities, building essential life skills, and moving toward healthy, independent living. The local Jamestown Rotary club had more than 30 people supporting the team of walkers, with more than $1,250 raised for the YWCA program – which reportedly saw an estimated $25,000 total raised for the event.