Earlier this year, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic surpassed all the disasters Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida has ever responded to. It has negatively impacted the Central Florida community in ways never thought possible. Since March, more of our neighbors have sought food assistance than ever before, many for the first time. Second Harvest has doubled food distribution, providing 300,000 meals daily to the community compared to the 150,000 that were being provided each day prior to the pandemic. Unfortunately, the new level of need does not seem likely to go down any time soon.
While the need is like nothing ever seen before, so is the outpouring of help from our community. Though the format of the race weekend had to be reworked to accommodate social distancing during the pandemic, longtime partner RunDisney stood by their commitment to support Second Harvest as the beneficiary of the 2020 Disney Wine & Dine half marathon weekend powered by AfterShokz. RunDisney provided 200,000 meals to our Central Florida neighbors in need and allowed Second Harvest to host a team of runners that could participate virtually. These dedicated runners raised enough funds to provide an additional 20,000 meals to those in our community who need it most!
Half-marathoner Eva Miller shared her thoughts on the race and why it was important for her to join in on the efforts:
“I registered to run during the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend with Team Second Harvest, knowing that I would be raising money to put meals on the tables of those in need in our community. Previously I volunteered every year through my employer to fundraise for the Space Coast Basket Brigade for the holiday season, supporting food drives and doing my part to alleviate food insecurity in our community is something I have been committed to for years. Teaming up with Second Harvest was an opportunity to make my commitment even more personal. When I decided to run with Second Harvest, COVID-19 was just beginning to affect us here in Florida, and I am so happy that I have made this commitment now more than ever because our community needs it.”
Special shout-out to you Eva! Thank you for helping Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida outrun hunger!
Other members of the virtual running team also shared why participating struck a chord with them:
“I decided to participate in RunDisney this year as a way to give back to our community. Friends of mine have been personally affected by COVID-19, officially losing their jobs. It’s up to us to step up and help our community in this time of need to help our friends and neighbors get through it. We can do this together!” – Sean Labban
“I joined Team Second Harvest for RunDisney because to me, there is nothing more empowering than outrunning your biggest shadows while watching the sunrise on the property where magic lives and pixie dust carries the brightest dreams.” – Kelsey Costa
A very special “Thank You!” to our friends at RunDisney as well. We are so grateful for your continued support of our mission and for helping to change thousands of lives for the better in our community.
Help outrun hunger next year.
You can be part of Team Second Harvest at the next Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend.
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