When runDisney invited Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida to be their Celebrated Charity for the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend powered by Shokz again this year, we were beyond thrilled! Since we first partnered with runDisney 6 years ago, this race weekend has helped to provide over 2 million meals for children, families, and seniors who are facing hunger in our community! We couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to partner with runDisney again, and for their dedication to help us outrun hunger.
There are many benefits that come along with being the Celebrated Charity for this race weekend, but one that we think is really special is that runDisney gifts us 25 race spots that we’re able to give to runners who want to join our Team Second Harvest. In exchange for a race spot, our incredible runners raise funds to help our neighbors facing hunger. This year, we had so many amazing teammates, and one in particular shared her “why” for joining our team:
“I was so happy and thrilled to be part of Team Second Harvest for the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon powered by Shokz! Let me tell you a bit about myself…I am a Pastor in Clermont, Florida who leads a Celebrate Recovery Ministry. Personally, I celebrate recovery from Eating Disorders but have since stepped out of denial to realize and admit I still struggle with a Binge Eating Disorder after all these years. I have an addiction to food and often use it as a coping strategy to numb out the stresses of life or comfort myself when I feel tired or out of control. When I saw the opportunity to raise money for Second Harvest Food Bank and “outrun hunger,” I knew God was calling me to use this opportunity as a way to truly help heal me and make a difference for others! I used my training as a recovery tool to be mindful of those in need and in prayer for those who struggle with not having food. Being a Pastor, one of the top issues people come to me for is financial struggles and food vulnerability. These were the faces I thought about when I ran and now when I want to turn to food.
When it came time for race day, I will be honest- I was not sure I would finish all 13.1 miles. My training didn’t go as planned as I suffered a foot injury, but I was determined to not be a victim and do something different! Instead, I changed my goal…from finishing the race to simply starting! This was a goal which would give me a better chance of accomplishing without any shame or guilt. As we starting the race, and the miles got harder, I remembered my “why” for running the race. It wasn’t about finishing or even about starting, it was about making lives better…mine and those in need. When I got to mile 10, I looked at my watch and realized that I could actually finish the whole thing! The last 3 miles were tough and I literally limped to the finish line…but I finished! However, my journey doesn’t end here…I will continue to press on and move forward to outrun hunger and fight for my recovery…one step at a time! We are worth it!
Team Second Harvest gave me purpose and helped me to remember that no matter what the struggles are we have in life, there is always hope and help out there, we just have to believe. Thank you for letting me share!”
Wow, Dawn! What an inspiration you are! Thank you for sharing your “why” and joining us in our efforts to help those in our community who are facing hunger. You are a true hunger hero!
On behalf of our neighbors facing hunger, thank you to every volunteer, runner, guest and especially to our friends at runDisney for supporting Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s mission and helping change lives in our community!
For more information on race weekend and how to get involved, please visit www.feedhopenow.org.
There are many ways to fight hunger.
Food Drives. Volunteer Shifts. Special Events.
