Downturn Slows Elite Charity Events

The Avon Walk, which raised $6.9 million last year in Boston, is responding by offering more tips for low-dollar fund-raising and one unorthodox incentive: The top fund-raiser at each of the nine walkathons will get to travel to Daytona, Fla., and meet actor Patrick Dempsey (McDreamy to viewers of the ABC show "Grey's Anatomy").