The ninth annual Harvest Walk/Run raised more than $17,000 Sunday, and the 360 spirited pedestrians on 16 teams managed to surpass their goal of generating $15,000 in pledges.

“It was a big, big success,” said Lawrence M. Caufield, a member of the 25-strong Seaway Saints team, representing Ogdensburg Seaway House, 212 Caroline St., and St. John’s Episcopal Church, 500 Caroline St.

Pledges from the 4.5-mile trek, which started at noon at the Dobisky Visitors Center, will be divided among Seaway House, St. John’s, Catholic Charities and other church food pantries that serve the needy.

This year’s event was dedicated to Anna Marie Girard, Ogdensburg.

The longtime Harvest Walk/Run volunteer received the inaugural Person of Distinction Award.

Ms. Girard’s efforts are important to Mary B. Aldrich, 70, Ogdensburg, who credits Catholic Charities with helping her get settled with a job and a place to live when she returned to the city 12 years ago.

Mrs. Aldrich takes 14-mile walks four days a week. This was her first Harvest Walk/Run.

“I really wanted to do it for Anna Marie and (Catholic Charities Director) Sister Donna Franklin,” Mrs. Aldrich said.

Seaway Saints team member Taylor A. McGaw, 17, Ogdensburg, said Sunday that he was looking forward to his third annual trek. “It’s the satisfaction of knowing that you’re helping someone,” he said. “Every little bit helps.”

The participation helps, too, said Mr. Caufield, who is St. John’s evangelism team ministry chairman.

“The team effort and coming together as a team is very impressive,” he said.

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