Walking for Goats: Homewood Boy Raises $1,500 for Charity

The lives of 30 impoverished Filippino families are about to abruptly change for the better, thanks to an 11-year-old Homewood boy's decision to take a 15-mile walk.

Michael Colton first , landing him the title of "remarkable resident." True to his word, Michael recently embarked on a 15-mile fundraising walk to collect money for the charitable organization, Give a Goat. Incredibly, Michael raised more than $1,500, allowing for the purchase and donation of 30 goats to poor families in the Philippines.

"I feel triumphant," Michael said. "I said, 'I'm going to raise this money,' and I did it."

Michael's trek began at his Homewood home. Accompanied by his father, he walked more than seven miles through inclement weather to the Lansing Airport halfway point. After what he described as a "super delicious" lunch at a nearby Mexican restaurant, a refreshed Michael set off to finish the second half of his journey—this time, in the company of his mother, Anne Colton.

"Once we started walking back, it was a steady rain, but not stormy or blowing," Anne said.

Michael's high spirits proved impervious to the weather throughout the second half of the walk. He said the trip helped him make an important realization.

"Just because I'm not doing something for me doesn't mean I can't have fun doing it," Michael said.

Despite falling short of his initial goal of $4,000, Michael says he is perfectly content with $1,500. After all, it's still 30 goats. He doesn't take all the credit, however.

"I could not have done this without my mom," Michael said, adding that he has every intention of doing more charity work in the future.

From early planning to post-walk pledge collections, Michael offered a simple and sincere reflection on his accomplishment.

"What they say is true," Michael said. "When you help others, it really does make you feel better."