Retrospect: Jay planned a Super Walk

Plans were in the works 40 years ago this week for the Jay County March of Dimes Super Walk ’78, and a Portland girl was chosen as the poster child for the event.

Betty Imel, the 7-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Imel Sr., was chosen as Jay County’s 1978 March of Dimes poster child. Betty had cerebral palsy and was unable to walk. 

The April 10, 1978, issue of The Commercial Review stated that the walk would be held on April 29 and begin and end at Jay County High School, with a stop at the Jay County Conservation Club for lunch. The former 20-mile walk that year was changed to 30 kilometers which is the equivalent of 18 miles. Super Walk chairman Ruth Ann Zearbaugh reminded walkers to inform sponsors of the difference in pledge miles. 

Don Spencer, school recruitment chairman, Betty Imel and Zearbaugh were going to visit Jay County schools the week of April 10 to ask area students to join in the walk.

All proceeds raised during Super Walk ’78 were to go to March of Dimes to continue the fight against birth defects.