Downturn Slows Elite Charity Events

It's too early to tell whether walkers will again flock to the May 16 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, a two-day marathon-length journey that requires an $1,800 fund-raising pledge, said Eloise Caggiano, program director.

"People have more questions this year because of the economy," Caggiano said. "They're worried about meeting the fund-raising commitment. They ask a lot of questions about 'what happens if I don't raise the money? I don't think I can raise the money.' We're just spending more time with everybody and making sure they feel comfortable before they register with us."