The fifth annual Harvest for Hope 5k non-competitive walk/run event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 2 at 5 p.m. at Riverfront Park in Oro Valley.
There is no fee to participate. Walkers/runners may bring a bag of non-perishable food for donation to Catalina Community Services to feed the hungry in northern Pima County. More than 7,000 pounds of food were donated last year by 384 walkers/runners, and $1,800 was raised in sponsorship dollars for CCS.
"This event raises awareness of the hunger issues that face many families in northern Pima County," said event organizer Dawn Kulesa of Lifestyle and Fitness Coaching. "Oro Valley is a prosperous community and you don't think that we have these issues here, but we do."
A raffle follows the event.
Kulesa has partnered with John Corbett, owner of All About Running and Walking, and Oro Valley Hospital's Commit to Be Fit program on the Harvest for Hope 5k.
"We would like to double the amount of donated food this year and have at least 500 people participate in the event," Corbett said.
The first 500 walkers/runners to register receive a t-shirt and all finishers receive a medal. To register, visit harvest4hope.org and enter on-line, or pick up an entry form at the All About Running and Walking store in the Rancho Vistoso Safeway Plaza. You may also register at the event.
Trader Joe's is selling pre-bagged food for the event Sept. 29-Oct. 2. People who would like to donate to Catalina Community Services may send checks to Catalina Community Services (and notate Harvest for Hope), Box 8416, Catalina, 85740.
Major sponsors of the 2010 Harvest for Hope include Tucson Newspapers, Oro Valley Audiology, Computer Dimensions, Canyon Community Bank and Oro Valley Hospital Physicians.
