On March 15, 2020, the Episcopal Community Foundation for Middle and North Georgia (ECF) partnered with the Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB) and local faith organizations for the 36th Annual Hunger Walk Run. Earlier that week, with COVID-19 beginning to spread in Georgia communities, ACFB made the decision to move the event online. The Hunger Walk Run is a critical fundraiser for hunger-related ministries throughout the Diocese of Atlanta, and the online fundraiser took place on March 15 with Episcopalians walking and running in their own neighborhoods.

“Each year we look forward to gathering as one Episcopal community to make strides to end hunger,” said Lindsey Hardegree, Executive Director for the Episcopal Community Foundation for Middle and North Georgia. “While we certainly missed this year’s opportunity for fellowship and celebration, Episcopalians didn’t hesitate to continue their support for those facing hunger in our community. Despite the lack of a physical event, our fundraising efforts remained strong, and we look forward to next year when we can once again join together for this annual tradition.”

Through the immense fundraising efforts of parishes around the Diocese, ECF has received more than $28,000 to support local hunger-related ministries and organizations. ECF is dedicated to funding opportunities for Episcopal parishes to work with their local community and nonprofits to serve the poor and oppressed. With that in mind, ECF has provided grants to the following outreach ministries:

• Toco Hills Community Alliance, who partners with St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church (Atlanta), has received a grant of $18,865 to support purchasing new equipment for the renovation of THCA’s kitchen to make it fully functional as a part of their weekly feeding ministry.
• St. Nicholas Episcopal Church (Hamilton) has received a grant of $5,000 towards food distribution through Backsnacks feeding ministry.
• A donation of $1,410 each will be given to the food pantries at All Saints’ Episcopal Church (Warner Robins), MUST Ministries (in partnership with St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church), and the University of Georgia Food Pantry (in partnership with the Episcopal Center at UGA).

This year, Bishop Wright issued a challenge for the Bishop’s Cup – the parish that raised the most funds for the Hunger Walk Run would receive the coveted award trophy as well as a gift of $3,500 to be used for the parish’s outreach ministries. For the third year in a row, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Atlanta) prevailed by raising an immense $26,811! St. Bartholomew’s came in second place with $5,603. Special recognition goes to the following parishes who each raised more than $1,000 to fight hunger in our Diocese: St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church (Marietta), St. Edward’s Episcopal Church (Lawrenceville), and St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church (Stone Mountain).

This year’s parish fundraising efforts were truly incredible! Special thanks to the following individuals who each raised more than $500 and were a part of the Hunger Walk Run Champions Circle:

• Shirley Lee, St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church (Atlanta)
• Connie Bergeron, St. Catherine’s Episcopal (Marietta)
• Cynthia Allen-Peterson, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Atlanta)
• Michael Blakely, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Atlanta)
• Jennifer Boutte, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Atlanta)
• Jan Bruce-Brooks, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Atlanta)
• Robert Byrd, III, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Atlanta)
• Guy Douyon, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Atlanta)
• Karen Douyon, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Atlanta)
• Norman Elliott, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Atlanta)
• Clover Hall, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Atlanta)
• Sophie Hylton, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Atlanta)
• Beverly Lloyd, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Atlanta)
• Belinda McIntosh, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Atlanta)
• Benita Nobles, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Atlanta)
• Josephine Reed-Taylor, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Atlanta)
• Jay Marshall Richardson, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Atlanta)
• Arthur Richardson, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Atlanta)
• Richard Wood, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Atlanta)

For more information about the Hunger Walk Run, including how you can create a team to support the event in 2021, please contact Lindsey Hardegree at 404.601.5362 or LHardegree@episcopalatlanta.org.