Bend schools hold first walk-a-thon fundraiser at Alpenglow Park for Ronald McDonald House

(Update: Adding video, comments from organizers)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- People were getting their steps in for a worthy cause Sunday at Alpenglow Park. Despite the rainy weather, people came out to support the Bend Schools Walk-a-Thon. The event is in its inaugural year, with organizers hoping to do more walks in the future.

A number of Bend schools participated, including Summit and Caldera high schools, as well as Pacific Crest Middle School.

Funds raised will go toward the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Bend.

Reese Bradbury is a junior at Caldera High School, and the non-profit holds a special place in her heart. The Ronald McDonald's House director of development, Penny Whipps, told us about the connection Bradbury has to the organization.

"Her family (Reese Bradbury's) has a rich history with us," and she's been volunteering at the facility since she was about 3 years old, Whipps said. "One of her aunties was at the Ronald McDonald House, so her grandparents would just haul her in. And so she kind of grew up volunteering at our house, literally right on the St. Charles campus."

The goal was to raise $1,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Bend, a nonprofit that offers overnight stays for families with kids receiving medical care.

Its mission is to provide essential services that remove barriers and promote healing when children need health care.