ELWOOD, Ind.  (Nov. 19, 2024)
The 13^th Annual Run to Crush Hunger was a record-breaking event raising a total of $108,460.17. The event was held on October 19^th and the proceeds from the race were presented to Second Harvest Food Bank and the Morrisett Center Food Pantry on Monday, November 18^th. With the help of the Virtual Race option, the 10K, 5K and one-mile family walk, the event drew a crowd of 710 participants from 93 different cities and eighteen states, in addition to hundreds of spectators and festival goers who came with the goals to sample delicious chili and cheer on the participants.

“Our appreciation goes out to all of our 2024 participants, volunteers, vendors, and of course our sponsors as this event would not be possible without the help from our community.” said Emily Ault, Race Director. Each race participant’s entry provides roughly 120 meals to families affected by food insecurity in Central Indiana. “We are proud of the continued growth and success of the race each year. As the race grows and our donation hits an all-time record, we are encouraged by the mission of crushing hunger in our communities,” said Ault.

‘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 36^th Annual Red Gold Chili Cook-Off and the celebration boasted great attendance, beautiful weather, and community participation. “The participants, sponsors, community involvement and volunteers were the recipe for success.” said Colt Reichart, Senior Director of Marketing at Red Gold.

Special thanks go out to Elwood Mayor Todd Jones, Mayor’s Administrative Assistant Mandy Stout, Elwood Chamber of Commerce, Elwood Economic and Community Development Director Christy Clark, Elwood Police Department, Elwood Fire Department, Elwood Street Department, Elwood Parks Department, and several other city services for all of their efforts in making this day possible! Anyone who is interested in learning more about this event can visit www.CrushHungerSaturday.com

About Red Gold,

Four generations of the Reichart family have been producing the world’s freshest, best tasting tomato products since 1942.  When the US entered WWII, the government asked citizens to step up and help the war effort and the call was answered. Since then, Red Gold has become the largest privately owned tomato processor in the nation with three state-of-the-art facilities in Elwood, Geneva, and Orestes, Indiana. The company also boasts a million square foot distribution center in Alexandria and operates the subsidiary RG Transport trucking fleet in Elwood.  Red Gold partners with local family farms across Indiana, southern Michigan, and Northwest Ohio to sustainably produce premium quality canned tomatoes, ketchup, sauces, salsas, and juices for foodservice, private brands, brands, export, co-pack, club and retail channels of distribution.  The Red Gold family of consumer brands includes Red Gold, Redpack, Tuttorosso, Sacramento, Migliore, Mama Selita’s, Teresa, and Vine Ripe. Superior Quality, Outstanding Service and Operational Excellence are the shared values that contributed to the employee-created mission statement: “To produce the freshest, best tasting tomato products in the world.”