On March 13, 2016, the Episcopal Charities Foundation partnered with the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Atlanta-area faith organizations for the 32nd Annual Hunger Walk/Run at Turner Field. More than 700 Episcopalians walked, ran, or volunteered for the Diocese of Atlanta, with 45 teams formed in support of the Episcopal Charities Foundation. Prior to the 5K walk/run, over 250 youth and adults celebrated the Eucharist with Father Ricardo Bailey who preached a powerful message calling Episcopalians to serve compassionately.
The 2016 Hunger Walk/Run was an incredible success, and with the significant help of parishes around the Diocese, the Episcopal Charities Foundation has received $23,307.26 to support hunger-related ministries and organizations. In recognition of those parishes who were most instrumental in fundraising efforts this year, the Episcopal Charities Foundation will grant these funds to hunger-related ministries and organizations who partner with these parishes in their local areas.
“The Episcopal Charities Foundation is so grateful for the strong participation of Episcopalian communities in this fundraising effort,” said Lindsey Hardegree, Executive Director for the Episcopal Charities Foundation. “We wanted to give back directly to the communities that were most instrumental in raising awareness. These funds will have a direct impact on the significant food insecurity problem throughout Middle and North Georgia.”
The parishes include:
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St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church (designating funds to Toco Hills Community Alliance – food assistance program)
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St. Benedict’s Episcopal Church (designating funds to Path to Shine – afternoon meals for students)
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St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church (designating funds to MUST Ministries – feeding programs)
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Church of the Holy Comforter (designating funds to Holy Comforter – garden program)
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Church of the Holy Cross (designating funds to Holy Cross – food pantry)
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Church of Our Saviour (designating funds to Intown Collaborative Ministries – food pantry)
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EYC DIOATL (designating funds to Emmaus House – food pantry and Holy Comforter – garden program)
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St. James’ Episcopal Church (designating funds to Rabun County School Nutrition)
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St. Michael & All Angels (designating funds to Stone Mountain Cooperative Ecumenical Ministry – food pantry)
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St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (designating funds to One Roof Outreach – food pantry)
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St. Thomas Episcopal Church (designating funds to Open Door Community House – FANN Food Co-Op)
Special thanks also go out to the top fundraising individuals:
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Connie Bergeron of St. Catherine’s
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Ashley Erwin of Holy Comforter
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Shirley Lee of St. Bartholomew’s
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Daniel Mikkelson of St. Catherine’s
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Ginny Parrino of St. Benedict’s
In addition, this year the Bishop’s Cup – awarded to the parish that raises the most funds for the Hunger Walk/Run as well as a gift of $3,200 to be used for the parish’s outreach ministries – went to St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church.
For more information about the Hunger Walk/Run, including how you can create a team to support the event in 2017, please contact Lindsey Hardegree at 404.601.5362 or LHardegree@episcopalatlanta.org.