Get involved in the fight against hunger by participating in the 9^th annual 5K run/walk.

 ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – Fall is approaching, which means it is time to register for a favorite fall tradition for families, runners, and walkers. Neighborhood House’s Scare Away Hunger 5K returns for its 9th year on Sunday, October 20. This is a great opportunity for runners, walkers, and families to get outdoors while helping those less fortunate right here in our community.

This event, proudly supported by Gold Sponsors PAR Pharmaceuticals and St. Irenaeus Catholic Church, will again begin at Rochester University. Every year, this event draws competitive runners, strolling families and everyone in between. The starting line is in the center of the Rochester University campus, and the route includes a colorful autumn run/walk around Rochester University, through Lake Norcentra Park, out to the Clinton River Trail with the destination of a beautiful scenic loop that will lead participants back to campus and the finish line.

"This race appeals to everyone," says Sally Anglim, Scare Away Hunger Race Director. "Runners appreciate that it is a chip-timed race and the valuable prizes and medals. Walkers and families with strollers enjoy the opportunity to get out and enjoy the beautiful route – all while benefitting an excellent and very worthy cause."

The Scare Away Hunger event also offers entertainment for families as it features local talents from Stoney Creek High School's Drum Line and The Studio of Rochester’s Performance Dance Team. Family activities, including face painting, pumpkin painting, pumpkin bowling, volleyball and corn hole, will continue until 5:00 p.m.

Funds raised at this event support Neighborhood House’s assistance programs such as emergency financial assistance, the Food Pantry, the Clothes Closet, transportation, educational classes, counseling, and more for struggling families in the greater Rochester and Auburn Hills areas.

“We are so excited to host the 9th annual Scare Away Hunger 5K Run/Walk,” Katie Lamb, Director of Fund Development, Neighborhood House, said. “It’s an excellent opportunity to bring awareness and support to the services Neighborhood House provides to local individuals and families in crisis.” 

Local families are excited about the Bronze Family Sponsorship which allows them to make philanthropy an active family event. This $250 sponsorship includes six complimentary registrations and a listing on the event t-shirts. This sponsorship and others ranging from $500-$5,000 are still available and include various benefits from logos featured on runners’ bibs, the starting line banner, event webpage, signage at the 5K, promotional pieces, and t-shirts, along with complimentary registrations, and more.

Race registration by October 10 is $30 per person and $25 per student (Registration cost will increase by $5 after October 10). Participants who register as a family or a group also receive a discount. Online registration closes on October 16 at midnight. Please visit www.ranh.org/events for more information and a link to register online. Race participants and their families are asked to consider bringing donations for the Neighborhood House Food Pantry, which will be collected near the starting line at the Neighborhood House information table. Visit www.ranh.org/wish-list/ for a list of needed items.

Neighborhood House has been serving the greater Rochester and Auburn Hills' area for over 50 years. Since moving into their new building, they have increased programs that expand opportunities for social and economic mobility serving even more of their neighbors in need, focusing on education and long-term self-sustainability. Fundraising events, including Scare Away Hunger, are crucial to the success of Neighborhood House.

About Neighborhood House:
Neighborhood House serves Rochester, Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, Oakland Township and Addison Township. They provide rent and utility financial assistance, operate a Food Pantry and Clothes Closet, offer transportation services, provide counseling, facilitate many educational programs for families in need, and more. Last year, Neighborhood House's programs helped over 3,000 households on their path from financial crisis to self-sustainability. You can follow Neighborhood House on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RochesterAreaNeighborhoodHouse.

For more information about the race, or to learn how to become a sponsor, contact Nicole Feidner at events@ranh.org or call (248) 651-5836 ext. 33.