Walkathon organizer Richard Cooper '01, said he was impressed by the support of the Cambridge community.
Pizzeria Uno, Bertucci's, Au Bon Pain and the Hi-Rise Bread Company all donated food to sustain the walkers during their four-mile journey.
Winthrop Co-Masters Paul D. Hanson and Cynthia Rosenberger galvanized the large turnout by pledging $5 for every Winthrop resident who walked.
When asked what inspired the donation, Hanson credited Rudenstine's generosity and the imminent holiday season.
The American Repertory Theater, CityStep and the Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra all donated prizes for participants who raised the most money and finished the walk first.
A small contingent of the Harvard-Radcliffe Cheerleading Organization came out to motivate and support the walkers over the four miles.
Cooper praised the Harvard community for making the walkathon a success.
"It shows a real enthusiasm on their part for the renovations that will thoroughly modernize the shelter," Cooper wrote in an e-mail message.