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Runners to take steps to end hunger May 20

Date: 5/1/2012

May 2, 2012

By Lori Szepelak

lori@thereminder.com

HOLYOKE — The Ashley Reservoir will be the backdrop once again for the 3.5-mile run, Hungry for the Run — Taking Steps to End Hunger in Holyoke, to benefit Providence Ministries for the Needy Inc.

The 3.5-mile run or one-mile walk is slated for May 20, rain or shine, beginning at 4 p.m. Registration starts promptly at 3 p.m. at the reservoir entrance on Whitney Avenue. Pets are not allowed on the run/walk. For the man and woman who complete the run first, each will receive a special gift.

Runners Christine Archambault and Evelyn Riffenburg are the co-chairs of the event and noted in an interview with Reminder Publications that they started the fund-raiser three years ago to help meet the needs of the community. Providence Ministries oversees several programs, including Kate's Kitchen, Loreto House, Broderick House, Margaret's Pantry, St. Jude's Center, Mother Mary's and Cinderelli's.

The women hope to exceed last year's $1,200 raised as well as increase the number of runners for the event.

"We host this event to help people in need," Archambault said, noting that Kate's Kitchen "served more than 51,000 free nutritious noontime meals in 2011."

Riffenburg echoed those sentiments.

"It's the right thing to do to support the ministries and to give back to the community," she said.

Karen Blanchard, executive director of Providence Ministries, is also on the committee and thanked Archambault and Riffenburg for their dedication to helping others.

"In these tough economic times, it's heartening to see people who want us to fulfill our mission to help the community," Blanchard said.

The women acknowledged that several individuals work behind the scenes to ensure the success of the fund-raiser, including Steve Riffenburg, John Hines, and Ron Dietrich, chief of the Holyoke Auxiliary Police. In addition, several businesses and organizations have stepped up to participate in the event, including the Elks on Whitney Avenue, the Muse Gallery, Avery Dennison, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Hamel's Catering, and United Water.

Sponsors are still sought at a variety of levels, ranging from the trail sign sponsor at $150, a lunch sponsor for $250, bib sponsor level for $350, and a presenting sponsor at $500.

Participants will be treated to Hamel's signature pasta, salad and bread following the event at the Elks, and a raffle is planned with prizes being donated by local businesses. Participants are asked to bring a canned good for Margaret's Pantry to have a chance at winning a variety of raffle prizes. Raffle prize donations will be accepted up until event time.

For persons registering before May 1, the cost is $30 and participants receive a free T-shirt. For those registering after May 1 or the day of the event, the cost is $35. For more information or to register online, visit www.active.com or www.locallyrun.com. Checks can also be mailed to Providence Ministries for the Needy Inc., 51 Hamilton St., Holyoke, MA 01040, attn: Karen Blanchard.

For more information, call Archambault at 627-0041.

"We like to think of our race/walk as a community get-together," Archambault added.





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