It has been seven years since runDisney initially invited Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida to be the Celebrated Charity for the Wine and Dine Half Marathon weekend. Every year is just as exciting as that very first year. Thanks to the runners, fundraisers, volunteers, and event organizers, more than 400,000 meals will be provided to children, families, and seniors facing hunger in Central Florida. We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with runDisney and their dedication to helping to outrun hunger year after year.
Partnering with runDisney provides many opportunities for Second Harvest and friends of the food bank to raise awareness of hunger in Central Florida. One of our favorites is Team Second Harvest. Every year, runDisney grants Second Harvest 25 runner race spots. When a hunger hero in the community wants to take one of the race spots, they can join Team Second Harvest, create a Virtual Food Drive, and raise funds for our neighbors facing hunger in exchange for the race spot.
One of our Team Second Harvest runners shared why she joined us this year:
“I have learned that there are so many people who need just a little bit of extra help to get by. I have also learned that the people in my community are extremely thoughtful and giving. I have never seen so many people passionate about helping others. It is comforting to know that good people are still on this planet. I have always wanted to run a Wine & Dine Race. I love Second Harvest Food Bank, and I love Disney, so when I saw the opportunity to combine the two and raise money for my community I couldn’t resist.” – Sarah Ryan.
We agree with Sarah – what better way to fundraise than having fun running through the Disney parks, all with the mission of providing meals? This year, Sarah and the other Team Second Harvest runners rallied and raised enough funds to help provide over 95,000 meals!
We are also so thankful for the thousands of volunteers who helped make the event run smoothly. Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend is only possible because of the incredible advocates and volunteers who share their time and energy to ensure this weekend goes off without a hitch!
One volunteer shared her reason for volunteering with our team:
“I was so excited to work at the expo booth this past runDisney weekend because I love all things health, wellness, and Disney. Seeing how many people loved Second Harvest and wanted to donate filled my heart with so much joy. People were coming up to the booth, thanking Second Harvest for what we do for the community and wondering how they could volunteer, too. We had a Plinko game that people could play for $5 to win a prize, and with that, we raised over $1,600. It is amazing to volunteer with such a great organization!” – Samantha Tua
What inspiring words! Thank you for sharing your “why” and joining us in our efforts to help those in our community who are facing hunger. We are so grateful for our amazing volunteers.
Of course, this is only possible with the support of runDisney. We still feel so fortunate to be the Celebrated Charity of the Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend. We love seeing all their hard work come together and how they give back in a huge way.
On behalf of our neighbors facing hunger, thank you to every volunteer, runner, guest and especially our friends at runDisney for supporting Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s mission and helping change lives in our community! We appreciate you all so much!
You can Outrun Hunger
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