This year HARC held our 10th annual HARC Hike for Hunger & Hope, raising funds for HARC and the Micah’s Backpack program. On Saturday, June 4, local and regional hikers participated in the main HARC Hike, walking or running 4K, 10K or half-marathon distances on the C&O Canal Towpath OR doing a “Virtual Hike” at a time and place of their choosing. It was a beautiful, cool day and we were so grateful! Then a week later, on June 11, another group of hardy individuals hiked 23 miles on the Appalachian Trail for the HARC Challenge Hike. This hike took 12 hours to complete and included rocky, uneven ground with steep climbs and descents. The event exceeded a goal of $24,000 in proceeds.
Funds from the HARC Hike ensure that HARC can continue its work in the community through coordination of faith community efforts such as Micah’s Backpack (serving more than 1,000 children with weekend food), school support and literacy initiatives, efforts to foster peace and support people of all faiths and ethnicities, racial justice work, efforts to prevent childhood trauma and build resilience, and more. A significant portion of funds are designated directly to the Micah’s Backpack program to address childhood hunger in our county.
We are grateful to the many congregations, individuals and businesses that participated, did fundraising, helped spread the word, sponsored the event, donated food or materials, and volunteered to help. Many hands and hearts made this event successful!
See pictures from the main hike here. See pictures from the Challenge Hike here.
Special thanks to our event sponsors and supporters: