The Jesus Center is excited to introduce Golden Valley Bank as the 15th Annual Run for Food Presenting Sponsor! The Run for Food is a Chico tradition that brings families, friends, and neighbors on Thanksgiving Day to remember those in need and start the holiday with an expression of gratitude. While this year will look different due to COVID-19 as we follow CDC event guidelines, the tradition will continue! 

Mark Francis, President and CEO of Golden Valley Bank shares, "As a local bank, we are thrilled to commit to this three-year partnership with the Jesus Center and the Run for Food. We have been long time supporters of the Run and love the camaraderie, community and spirit of giving that this event fosters. We look forward to supporting this Chico tradition this year and for years to come." 

This year the Run won’t be at Bidwell Park – it will be a 5K Your Way! On Thanksgiving morning, we will gather on social media as our presenting sponsor announces the "shotgun start” for the Run. Participants will choose their own 5K course in their neighborhood or on a favorite trail wearing Run for Food attire. Our social media gathering will be in full swing as we livestream interviews with race participants, give shout outs to participants posting their Run for Food on social media and offer prizes throughout the morning. The Thursday morning broadcast will be live from Golden Valley Bank’s headquarters. 

During Thanksgiving week, an expanded Packet Pickup will be hosted at Neighborhood Church Chico and be rebranded as a Drive Through Packet Pickup Celebration. On Tuesday and Wednesday participants will pick up T-shirts, snacks and running bibs and take photos under our Run for Food starting arch at a safe and healthy distance! The fun will continue with a chance to win prizes and giveaways from our event sponsors! 

This is a milestone year and the Jesus Center can’t imagine a better presenting sponsor to support the Run. 

Jesus Center, Executive Director, Laura Cootsona exclaims: "When we imagined our next presenting sponsor, we were looking for a partner who shared our love for community and commitment to making our town a better place. We were elated that the leadership at Golden Valley Bank seized the opportunity as a perfect match to their corporate goals and investment into our community!” 

And, as always, funds raised will be making a difference all year long to provide food, services, shelter, housing and training for the neediest in our community seeking assistance. The Run for Food started out in 2006 with just over 1000 participants and now the event brings together 5000 participants each year, along with 75 businesses and 200 volunteers, for a true community-wide event.