On Tuesday, in only two hours, the Augusta Dream Center provided food for 138 CSRA families, according to its Executive Director, Kellie Cardona.
In about three weeks, with help from its corporate sponsors and the local community, the Center will host a race to help feed more families.
The nonprofit will hold its third annual Run for Hope 5K on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 9 a.m. at its offices located at 3364 Peach Orchard Road in south Augusta, behind Stevens Creek Church. Corporate sponsors for the event include Cadence Bank, SRP Federal Credit Union, Textron, and Powell Orthodontics PC.
“All proceeds will go to buying food and providing immediate hunger relief to people in the CSRA,” Cardona said. “We see more people in October, November, and December.”
She said, this year’s goal is to raise $15,000; last year, Run for Hope raised $10,000. The Center needs more participants and volunteers. One hundred eighty people participated last year.
“I would love to have 300 participants; that would be amazing,” Cardona said.
Prizes include gift cards for Laziza Mediterranean Grill, Fleet Feet, Mellow Mushroom, and Riverwatch Cinemas. Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female participants, as well as the top three males and top three females in each age category. Each participant will receive a T-shirt and medal.
The cost to participate is $30 until August 28. After that date, it increases to $40.
The Augusta Dream Center provides not only food for families in need, but also healthcare, an adult literacy program, and counseling for women, among other services. She said when school started, the Center provided clothes, supplies, food, and haircuts to 762 local children.
“We open the doors to the public three days a week, and we’ve definitely noticed a growing need,” Cardona said. “If they show up, we’re going to serve them.”
For more information or to register, visit adcrunforhope.com.
