Local Groups in Run To Feed The Hungry

Early Thursday morning, before partaking in Thanksgiving meals, Carmichael residents will join their teams in the 18th Annual Run To Feed The Hungry race.

Having run the race before, I can tell you it is a good way to work up an appetite while helping a good cause. The event benefits Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

Carmichael Patch asked team captains from Carmichael teams to tell us about their team and why they run. These are their stories.

1. - Captain: Mary Kessler

"Nestled in a safe neighborhood on American River Drive, Del Dayo is one of the few schools in the to have a K-6 program.

Alex Winchell, a team member, is enjoying his 6th grade year. Having just returned from a week-long field trip to Westminster Woods, he is preparing for the holiday concert where he plays trumpet in the advanced band. His mom, Sonya, met Mary, the team's captain, last year as the parent community challenged, and overcame, the district's preliminary plan to move the 6th grade to Arden Middle School (interested parents can elect Del Dayo during Open Enrollment in January, or attend an open house in early December).

A highly supportive parent community raises funds each year to provide Promethian boards in classrooms, a full computer lab and technology instruction, Art Docent program, supplies and more.

Paula Wakamiya, who along with seven family members, will be walking with the team, serves as the school librarian. Her monthly Family Library Night program is very popular with parents and students alike. The school's high test scores attest to the value the Del Dayo community places on education and reading. But community service is important too. Each year, students contribute to the Kids Can drive, participate in the Mustard Seed Spin, collect supplies for the SPCA, and volunteer at Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services, to name a few.

This fall, Mary and 10-year old son, Ben, approached the Del Dayo PTO about forming a school team, Her older son, Paul introduced the concept at Sacramento Country Day School and the team went on to win the fundraising competition all five years of its existence (and is in the lead again this year). Ben was the top individual fundraiser on that team two years ago. He intends to carry on the tradition at his school. We have 34 team members for our first (hopefully annual) year as a team.

We formed the team (because) it was to do something good for the (Food Bank), together. We are fortunate to have a close-knit community.

The team welcomes your support."

2. - Captain: Kelly Barnes, administrative assistant, counseling department

"We have 75 officially registered on the team this year. Team members include current students, alumni, faculty, staff and their families.  Some members will be running, trying for their best time ever, while others of us will 'stroll' to feed the hungry, wearing silly hats, pushing strollers and sporting our Jesuit red and gold. 

Our story: My husband, Mike Barnes, and our sons, Shane and Josh, graduated from Jesuit High School (1981, 2007 and 2010). I am fortunate enough to work at JHS. Our first few years we participated in the Run to Feed the Hungry as 'virtual runners,' which means we made our online donations and had the shirts mailed to us since our plans took us out of town. Once we stayed in town and joined in the fun, we were hooked. As team captains, Mike and I are able to connect with many terrific supporters of Jesuit High School and the Sacramento Food Bank.

This Thanksgiving tradition is such an amazing way to gather with others in our community and express our gratitude to the Lord by raising funds to provide for the needs of our neighbors. There is so much joy and goodwill filling the streets of Sacramento on Thanksgiving Day! 

All are welcome to support our team and provide resources to the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services by visiting the website."

On a related note, Jesuit alumnus Michael Stember will compete in the race to benefit the American Indian Public Charter School in Oakland.

3. Sacramento Country Day School- Captain: Michelle Myers, physical education director PK-12

"Our team started in 2006 when a student who had done individual fundraising for the RTFH suggested forming a team in middle school. Now the project is schoolwide.

SCDS was the first team from a school; the rest were businesses or clubs. By 2009, there were 16 school teams.

The team won first place honors for fundraising all four years of its existence, and we still hold the title. We have raised over $500,000 of goods and services provided to the community.

Last year's team of 188 ranges from serious runners to families pulling kids in wagons and virtual runners who only fundraise.

What we love about the event is: IT'S FUN! , everyone can participate and its one of Sacramento’s most heart-warming events.

We love helping non-profits.

This year we currently have around 197 participants.

You can register to run with our team."

Other Carmichael RTFTH teams listed on the event website are:

Frontline/Magnetic- Captain: Donielle Kalachi

Lake Natoma Masters Rowing- Captain: David Worthington

Wenmat Fitness- Captain Angie McKillop

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