Foodshare

Monday, May 6, 2013

Walk Against Hunger preliminary results

The 30th annual Foodshare Walk Against Hunger yesterday was a tremendous success, with perfect spring weather, more than 4,000 walkers, and what is shaping up to be a record-breaking amount of money raised for hungry families in the Hartford region.  As always, the Walk featured activities for children, representatives from various partners and sponsors of the Walk, music and dancing, and speeches by prominent supporters.


Over 4,000 walkers work their way to the starting point!

Among this year’s speakers was Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman, who is also the honorary chair of Foodshare’s new comprehensive campaign to expand its facilities and programs. “It is indeed inspiring to stand here today,” she said, “and see so many people from so many backgrounds coming together to help their neighbors in need. This is the kind of spirit that makes Connecticut the greatest state in the country.” The Lieutenant Governor was joined on stage by Cheryl Chase, representing the Chase Family Foundations, which have again this year offered the Chase Challenge, matching the first 50 teams to raise $600 for the Walk. In addition, there were comments from Foodshare President & CEO Gloria McAdam; and Andy Napoli, the President of Consumer Markets for the Hartford, which again hosted the Walk in Hartbeat Park.

The main event, of course, was the Walk itself, and those 4,000 incredibly diverse walkers. At press time, The Walk has raised $553,000 toward its $625,000 goal.  Officials expressed optimism that the Walk would exceed its goal with donations that continue to arrive after the event.   “We couldn’t be more pleased with the turnout and the generosity of the people who participated - thank you to everyone who made this event possible,” said Foodshare President Gloria McAdam. “But we aren’t done yet. Any teams or walkers who have not yet turned in their pledges should do so right away, so the final tally can be made and we can put these funds to work to help our hungry neighbors.”

A great photo essay about the Walk can be found in today's Courant.

2 comments:

  1. Hi Gloria,

    I'm sure you and all the Foodshare staff must be exhausted after the walk yesterday. I just wanted to send a note to say thank you to you all the organizers and volunteers. We had a group from the Gilead Church (in Hebron) participate again this year, and each and every year I see more things that are done to make the walk so easy and such a pleasure to take part in. This year there seemed to be more volunteers than ever helping with parking, guiding the way, and offering their friendly assistance. Congrats to everyone on such a great event!

    Peace,
    Denise

    ReplyDelete
  2. Congratulations on a great event. You did a wonderful job, especially considering all the changes you dealt with! I am so excited that The Hartford exceeded our fundraising goal – I think we’ll go beyond the $175,000 we announced on Sunday! Look forward to our debriefs and then perhaps having a cup of coffee to get to know each other better! Congratulations again – very nicely done! R

    ReplyDelete