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Since the race’s inception in 2012, more than $358,000 has been raised in the effort to fight hunger; providing over 1,430,000 meals in local Hoosier communities. “This Madison County celebration is a popular venue and has quickly become a premier annual celebration that gives back to Indiana small towns and communities in so many ways,” said Colt Reichart, a 4th Generation Owner at Red Gold. Crushing hunger is the goal but so is having an impact on the Indiana youth and families who continue to participate and benefit more from active lifestyles.
Pictured left to right: Ron Becker & Kandie Courtney (Morrisett Center), Colt Reichart, Kelsi Fullenkamp & Tim Ingle (Red Gold) and C.S. Hendershot & Dianne Hovermale (Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana)
Red Gold announced that the 8th Annual Red Gold Run to Crush Hunger alone raised $67,806.46 to benefit local Indiana charities. This year’s proceeds from the race were presented to Second Harvest Food Bank and the Morrisett Center Food Pantry. For the eighth year in a row, the Run to Crush Hunger united local communities to promote healthy and active lifestyles, while crushing hunger in Central Indiana. With the help of the Virtual Race option, the 10K, 5K and one-mile family walk drew a crowd of 1,206 participants from 94 different cities and fifteen states, in addition to thousands of spectators and festival-goers who came with the goals to sample chili and cheer on the participants. Tim Kean, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank, has yet to miss a race and was overjoyed with the passion and excitement that has been created with this annual tradition that gives back to those in need, while having fun in the process. In particular, Mr. Kean is impressed to see so many repeat participants as the event grows each year.
“We would like to give a special appreciation to our 2019 Run to Crush Hunger Sponsors, as this event would not be possible without them,” said Kelsi Fullenkamp, Race Director. Companies that joined Red Gold to crush hunger include Platinum Sponsors; BMO Harris Bank, Ardagh Group, St. Vincent Mercy, and Wildcat Wind Farm. “To everyone who participated, donated, volunteered, or enjoyed a bowl of chili… you have made a huge impact on Crush Hunger Saturday,” said Fullenkamp.
Crush Hunger Saturday is a family, friendly day of fun which includes the Annual Run to Crush Hunger, Annual Red Gold Chili Cook-Off, Colts Blue Saturday, Indiana Craft Beer and Wine Garden, vendor booths and great entertainment. This year marked the 34th Annual Red Gold Chili Cook-Off and the celebration boasted great attendance and community participation. “The participants, sponsors, community involvement and volunteers were the recipe for success,” says Reichart.
As the event was graced with perfect weather for a fall festival of running, chili and CRUSHING Hunger, Red Gold is excited to carry on the tradition in 2020. The second Saturday of every October will continue to be the date for this fun-filled family weekend. Special thanks go out to Elwood Mayor Todd Jones, the Elwood Chamber of Commerce, Elwood Police Department, Elwood Fire Department, Elwood Street Department and several other city services for all of their efforts in making this day possible! Mark your calendar for October 10, 2020. Registration for the 9th Annual Red Gold Run to Crush Hunger is open! Visit www.RedGold5kRun.com to register and event information.