During her life, Toledo resident Esther Borte quilted and donated many of her creations for fundraising efforts to improve Toledo’s Kemp Olson Memorial Park and RV Campground.
Borte died in 2016, but prior to that, had been organizing the first Walk in the Park event at Kemp Olson Park to raise money for park improvements. She attended the inaugural walk just three months prior to her death at the age of 90.
Ever since then, her friends and neighbors have continued her tradition, holding the annual Esther Borte Memorial Walk in the Park in her honor.
This year’s walk is scheduled to go from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, at Kemp Olson Park. The park is located at 600 S. Sixth St. in Toledo.
Along with the memorial walk, this year’s event also features a raffle for what may be the last remaining available quilt made by her.
Made in 2006, the quilt is king-sized and titled “Some Enchanted Evening.”
Tickets for the raffle are $5 per ticket, or five for $20. Other raffle prizes will also be unveiled for purchase on the day of the walk. Tickets for the quilt raffle are available on the City of Toledo’s website and the raffle itself will be held during the walk.
Those taking part in the walk can collect a colored bead for each lap completed to create a unique bracelet.
Entry into the walk is $30 per person and includes a commemorative Esther Borte Memorial Walk in the Park shirt.
Entry without a a commemorative shirt is also available for $20, and both entry charges include five raffle tickets.
Following the Walk in the Park, the Day in the Park event will commence at noon featuring live music, entertainment and vendors set up throughout the day at Kemp Olson Park.
To sign up for the walk or purchase quilt raffle tickets, visit the City of Toledo’s website at https://tinyurl.com/3rvkseec.
