MNM2021 writers participating in a themed lunch social on ZOOM during the Muskoka Novel Marathon.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The words were flowing during this year’s Muskoka Novel Marathon, and not simply on the pages as the event celebrated its 20th Anniversary this past weekend.
“Who would have thought we’d be around 20 years later,” quipped KM Wehrstein, veteran event convenor.
Since its inception the Muskoka Novel Marathon has raised more than $230,000 for adult literacy programming in Muskoka, helping to ensure that classes in basic communications such as reading and writing, English as a Second Language, and so many more remain accessible to the people who need them in our communities.
The preliminary fundraising total was just over $10,000; a very exciting amount for the 65 writers participating virtually this year.
To show their appreciation for the 2-decades of support, the YMCA Simcoe-Muskoka revealed a special Star Volunteer Award to acknowledge the efforts of the volunteers who make the Muskoka Novel Marathon possible. The first recipient, naturally, was KM Wehrstein.
“It never occurred to me that the first recipient might be me,” she says in an open letter to YMCA President & CEO Jill Tettmann, adding that it makes sense as she has occupied one key committee position or another for 12 years, more than any other committee member.
Wehrstein also went on to acknowledge the work it takes to put on an event such as the marathon, even virtually. “Without MNM volunteers, there would be no MNM, so we absolutely appreciate the recognition for our hard work.”
The Muskoka Novel Marathon is a 72-hour writing marathon that takes place over a weekend in July. All funds raised go directly towards supporting adult literacy programs through the YMCA.