StepALIVE! Walkathon Achieves $125,000 Goal to Support Food and Housing Assistance

Hundreds of people came together at George Washington Middle School on Sunday for ALIVE!’s 44th annual StepALIVE! Walkathon. They raised $125,000 to help families facing hunger and housing challenges.

This year’s event was special as it moved to a new location for the first time. A total of 352 walkers participated, choosing between a 5K and a 5-mile route through Del Ray and Old Town.

Jennifer Ayers, the executive director of ALIVE!, emphasized the impact of the walk. “StepALIVE! shows what happens when Alexandria walks together for a shared purpose,” she said. Each step helps a neighbor get food on their table or stay in their home.

The funds raised will support ALIVE!’s ongoing programs, which help over 20,000 Alexandrians each month. They operate two food hubs, hold monthly distribution events, collaborate with 17 pantry partners, and even offer a home delivery service for those in need. Additionally, they provide emergency financial support and furniture for families transitioning out of homelessness.

Top sponsors for the event included Blaszkow Legal and the McNeil Family Foundation. More than 70 local partners contributed, such as Amazon and Old Town Speed & Style. Joe Blaszkow, a long-time supporter, shared his pride in helping feed and support the community.

Jennifer Ferrara, co-chair of the event and senior vice president at John Marshall Bank, described it as “our most community-centered StepALIVE! yet.”

ALIVE! has been making a difference since 1969, serving as Alexandria’s leading nonprofit for food access and housing stability. With the help of 50 member congregations and many volunteers, they continue to support the community’s most vulnerable.

### Insights on Food Insecurity

Recent studies show that food insecurity affects about 10% of households in Alexandria. This number has risen in recent years, influenced by economic changes and rising living costs. Community events like StepALIVE! are crucial not only for fundraising but also for raising awareness about these pressing issues.

In our current social landscape, many are turning to social media to share their thoughts on events like this. Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are filled with posts celebrating community spirit, promoting unity, and emphasizing the importance of local support systems.

Efforts like those from ALIVE! remind us that, together, we can take meaningful steps to support our neighbors in need. Each event and every dollar count toward building a stronger, more inclusive community.



Source link

news