Over the years, the Run for Rutgers Against Hunger (RAH) Homecoming 5K has become one of the region’s more sure-footed food-donation and fundraising drives.
The charity event on Oct. 26 lived up to that reputation.
The Rutgers Alumni Association, which has spearheaded the event for six years, reported that more than 350 runners and walkers participated, collecting 2,300 pounds of food and raising close to $10,000.
For the second year in a row, Run for RAH organizers chose Middlesex County Food Organization and Outreach Distribution Services (MCFOODS) as the sole recipient for the funds and food.
“In selecting MCFOODS, the Rutgers University Alumni Association wanted to be certain that the donations of our runners, walkers and those who supported them in the race and walk assisted members of our community, and that the food collected was evenly disbursed in Middlesex County, the area surrounding our flagship campus,” said Maurice Griffin, chair of the alumni association. “Partnering with MCFOODS has offered us a great opportunity to directly support those in need in our own neighborhood.”
Michael Soroko, who manned a financial table prior to the race, was the first to cross the 5K finish line. The Emerald Financial Services professional brought a team of colleagues.
“We all just came out here today to show our support and to make a difference,” Soroko said after completing the 3.1-mile run in 16 minutes, 4 seconds.
He was one of the many who opened their wallets and cupboards for MCFOODS, which provides weekly food disbursements to more than 90 regional food pantries, churches and social service agencies in Middlesex County.
“At a time when the demand for food is rapidly increasing and we are embarking on our holiday food drives, we couldn’t be more grateful to the Rutgers University Alumni Association, not to mention the Run for RAH participants for this generous show of support,” said Jennifer Apostol, project manager with the Middlesex County Improvement Authority, which operates MCFOODS. “These runners and walkers are not only dedicated to living a healthier lifestyle, but dedicated to serving the less fortunate in their community. That’s nothing short of commendable in my book.”
RAH is a university-wide initiative to increase awareness, encourage research, engage activism and offer relief as it pertains to regional food shortages.