Scare Away Hunger 5K Run/Walk Tradition Returns

Get Involved In The Fight Against Hunger By Participating In The 8th Annual 5k Run/Walk

Each year, as the cooler fall weather makes its appearance in the Rochester area, walkers and runners look forward to the local tradition of “Scaring Away Hunger.” On Sunday October 21, Neighborhood House will host the 8th annual Scare Away Hunger 5K walk/run at Rochester College.

Annually, this event draws competitive runners, strolling families and everyone in between. The race begins at Rochester College, and the route includes a colorful autumn run/walk around the campus of Rochester College, through Lake Norcentra Park, out to the Clinton River Trail with the destination of a beautiful scenic loop that will lead participants back to campus and the finish line.

“This race appeals to everyone,” said Sally Anglim, Scare Away Hunger Race Director. “Runners appreciate that it is a chip-timed race and the valuable prizes and medals. Walkers and families with strollers enjoy the opportunity to get out and enjoy the beautiful route – all while benefitting an excellent and very worthy cause.”

The Scare Away Hunger event also offers entertainment for families as it features local talents from Stoney Creek High School’s Drum Line and RARA’s Select Dancers. The Carmoni’s Pizza Food Truck and Walt’s Diggity Dog will be on site. Family activities, including face painting, pumpkin painting, pumpkin bowling, volleyball and corn hole, will continue until 5:00 p.m.

Funds raised at this event support assistance programs such as emergency financial assistance, the Food Pantry, the Clothes Closet, transportation, educational classes, counseling, and more for struggling families in the greater Rochester and Auburn Hills areas.

“We are so excited to host the 8th annual Scare Away Hunger 5K Run/Walk,” Katie Lamb, Director of Fund Development, Neighborhood House, said. “It’s an excellent opportunity to bring awareness and support to the services Neighborhood House provides to local individuals and families in crisis.”

Local families are excited about the new Bronze Family Sponsorship which allows them make philanthropy an active family event. This $250 sponsorship includes six complementary registrations and a listing on the event t-shirts. In the Bronze Family Sponsorship inaugural year, sponsors include the Dean and Susan Bachmann family, the Bruce and Jennifer French family, the Sonye/Duff family, and the Thomas Gaetano Vitale family. This sponsorship and others ranging from $250-$5,000 are still available and include various benefits from event t-shirts, displays at the event, complementary registrations, and more. Top sponsors include FCA who returns this year as the Platinum Sponsor, and the Gold level sponsors are Eagle Ottawa (Lear) and PAR Pharmaceuticals.

On Saturday, October 20 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., race participants and their families are invited to come to Neighborhood House (1720 South Livernois, Rochester Hills) for the 2nd Annual Scare Away Hunger Pasta Party. Race participants can pick up their race packet at that time, and anyone else interested in participating can register that evening as well. Portions of the meal will be donated by area restaurants. Guests are asked to consider making a donation to Neighborhood House in lieu of the cost of the meal.

Race registration by October 11 is $25 per person and $20 per student (Registration cost will increase by $5 after October 11). Participants who register as a family or a group also receive a discount. Online registration closes October 17 at midnight. Race participants and their families are asked to consider bringing donations for the Food Pantry which will be collected near the starting line at the Neighborhood House information table.

Neighborhood House has been serving the greater Rochester and Auburn Hills’ area for nearly 50 years. Since moving into their new building last year, they have increased programs that expand opportunities for social and economic mobility serving even more of their neighbors in need, focusing on education and long-term self-sustainability. Fundraising events, including Scare Away Hunger, are crucial to the success of Neighborhood House.

About Neighborhood House

Neighborhood House serves Rochester, Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, Oakland Township and Addison Township. They provide rent and utility financial assistance, operate a Food Pantry and Clothes Closet, offer transportation services, provide counseling, facilitate many educational programs for families in need, and more. Last year, Neighborhood House’s programs helped over 3,000 households on their path from financial crisis to self-sustainability. You can follow Neighborhood House on Facebook.

For more information about the race, or to learn how to become a sponsor, contact Katie Lamb at funddevelop@ranh.org or call (248) 651-5836 ext. 17.