Chico's Run For Food benefits the Jesus Center, which provides meals and supplies to the needy in our community. The money raised by today's event will keep the center open well into the new year.

Photos courtesy of Erik Aguilar Photography. Please visit www.erikaguilar.com to view additional photos or order prints online.

Since its inception, the event has continued to grow attracting nearly 2,600 participants in 2008 and raising over $50,000 for the homeless and poor of the community. This incredible sum helped to support the Sabbath House Shelter for women and children, and provide for the almost 100,000 meals the Jesus Center will serve the less fortunate this year.

An expected 300 participants swelled to about 1,000 runners by the 9 a.m. start time Thursday for...Nearly 1,000 eager, beaming people began Thanksgiving Day by giving.