November 26th 2009
Phone: (530) 624-6932 P.O. Box 1535 Chico CA 95927 • Benefiting the Jesus Center • |
Run for Food Press
Overwhelming Response Highlights Holiday Run 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. The turnout at One-Mile Recreation Area exceeded all expectations. Laura Cootsona, assistant director of the Jesus Center, said organizers expected a maximum of 300 people to show up for the fundraising event. By Wednesday, 700 had entered, but by 8:50 a.m. Thursday, 980 had arrived and registered, and many more had to be turned away because organizers ran out of bibs. There were so many people, the organizers ran out of number placards, T-shirts and even toilet paper. Food filled a truck. Cash and checks overflowed in metal boxes. Runners ranged from youngsters to oldsters to toddlers bundled up in three-wheel strollers. The oldest entrant was 82, and one entrant was from faraway New Jersey. Tamara Moores, 19, said she heard about the event at the Almond Bowl run and thought it was a great idea. "I'm doing something I love -- running -- and am able to help supply those that are less fortunate," she said. "It's an awesome turnout." One man admitted he wouldn't have turned out on Thanksgiving if it wasn't for
such a worthwhile purpose. His group included father-in-law Mike Metz, who said it's a family tradition to run each Thanksgiving. The clan also included five children, ranging from 6 to 12 years old, and five adults participating. Metz, 59, said he's recovering from open-heart surgery. 
Tuckness said that after the run, he'd spend Thanksgiving enjoying the company of his family "and being thankful for all we have." And of course eating and maybe watching football. The event came from the idea and hard work of Michael and Janine Reale, who patterned it after a similar event in Sacramento. The Reales have been planning for the run since summer. Cootsona estimated more than $25,000 was raised for the Jesus Center, which provides meals for homeless people six days a week. She hopes next year that 3,000 people will participate. Event expenses and supplies were also donated. As the crowd began the run -- or walk -- Monica Zachary said the event means community, helping those who are less fortunate and "just loving on them." She said she was completely surprised by the size of the crowd, which included people who have benefited from the Jesus Center's help. Among those who stayed behind waiting for the first runners to return was Jesus Center executive director Bill Such. "We're absolutely flabbergasted," Such said. "The community support is really encouraging to all of us ... it's gone beyond our wildest dreams." In just 15 minutes, the first runner returned, followed by more and more and more. The top two men and women to finish received awards. And to Such, the run and the overwhelming response by the community is good for all. "The way we help the least of us among us is a sign we're healthy." Staff writer Barbara Arrigoni can be reached at 896-7757 or barrigoni@chicoer.com. 
Thanksgiving morning run to benefit Jesus Center Michael Reale, race director, said several families who attend Bidwell Presbyterian Church put a committee together, then started a nonprofit to put on what organizers hope will be an annual fundraising event. "We were initially expecting to get 200 entries," Reale said. "But 500 people have already signed up." He said the organization has also rounded up several corporate sponsors, who have pledged more than $20,000 to assist the Jesus Center. Reale said because the nonprofit is run entirely by volunteers, all of the proceeds from the run will go to the Jesus Center. He said all of the administrative costs will be covered by donations. Entry fee for the run is $25. Children under 12 can take part for free if they are accompanied by an adult. Refreshments will be served after the run. The top two male and female finishers in each age division will be recognized at an awards ceremony. Entry forms can be picked up at Fleet Feet, 222 W. Third St.; the Jesus Center, 1297 Park Ave. or at athletic gyms in Chico. Online registration is also accepted at www.runforfood.com. Participants can register the day of the event 7-8:45 a.m. The run starts at 9. It will begin and end at One-Mile Recreation Area. For information, call Reale at 624-6932. Reale said the event is modeled after the Run to Feed the Hungry, which is sponsored by the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Service. He said his family has taken part in that run, which is also on Thanksgiving morning. "One year, on the way home, we decided that Chico could support something like this." "We're thrilled," said Laura Cootsona, assistant director at the Jesus Center. "A phenomenal group of people is organizing the event." She said proceeds for the event will support all of Jesus Center's ongoing programs, including the meals it serves six days a week. "Depending on the time of the month, we serve 120 to 150 meals a day," Cootsona said. "We make no requirements about who can receive a meal. You just have to be hungry." The Jesus Center also offers a shelter and transitional housing for women and children and an information and referral center. "Anyone can come in to the center to use telephones, receive mail, access the Internet and get job coaching. We're hoping it will attract folks who are taking the next step forward in their lives." Cootsona said the Jesus Center will host its own fundraiser, a banquet dinner, next spring. She said the center's harvest food drive is now going on. "We'll have a spot where participants in the run can drop off canned food donations." Staff writer Steve Brown can be reached at 896-7755 or sbrown@chicoer.com.
HIT — Well, that went well. The Jesus Center's first ever Run for Food fundraiser was expected to draw a couple of hundred people to One-Mile Recreation Area Thanksgiving morning to run or walk five miles through Bidwell Park. Instead, a thousand showed up. "We're absolutely flabbergasted," said Jesus Center Executive Director Bill Such. Maybe the idea of burning off a few calories to make room for the Thanksgiving feast ahead sounded good to folks. Maybe helping the needy helped swell the crowd. Whatever the reason, it looks like it was a good idea and a new Thanksgiving Day tradition. Thanks to all those who pounded the pavement to help the with the Jesus Center's noble function. An estimated $25,000 was raised in the event, and a truck was filled with cans of food. "Hits and misses" appears each Saturday. Items are compiled by the editorial board. |