Filling In The Blanks To Hold 'Unite To Fight 5K' In New Canaan

Information via Filling in the Blanks

NEW CANAAN, CT — Filling in the Blanks announced this week the Norwalk-based organization will hold its sixth annual Unite to Fight 5K at Waveny Park in New Canaan on April 7.

According to a news release provided by FITB, the organization's mission is "to fight childhood hunger by providing children in need with meals on the weekends."

The race will generate essential funding for FITB to continue supporting 7,500 children weekly at locations across Fairfield and Westchester Counties through their weekend meal program and school-based pantries.

Those interested at invited to register as a fundraiser, walker or runner and spread community awareness of FITB's mission. Participants can also take advantage of this year's special offer of free pre-race training with fitness coach Monica Concha at Waveny Park.

Check-in for the event begins at 7:30 a.m., a kids fun run at 8:15 a.m. and the 5K run/walk at 8:45 a.m. Sign up is available here.

Proceeds from the race will also support FITB’s newest initiative, The Fresh Food on the Move mobile pantry.

The mobile pantry launched in October 2023 and, to date, has served 220,000 pounds of food to thousands of local families, specifically in Norwalk and Stamford. With less than 1 percent of food donated to FITB's program, funding from the race plays a pivotal role in addressing the growing demand for FITB's multiple food assistance programs for families struggling with food insecurity.

Returning race sponsors, for the third and second years respectively, are CellMark Packaging and Paper and Silver Golub & Teitell.

"I first learned of FITB at my local church St. Jerome's in Norwalk," CellMark Packaging & Paper Division President Joe Hoffman said in a news release. "I reached out to Tina and Shawnee and was completely blown away by them. Their Incredible passion and commitment to helping those in need is amazing. I have spent time at packing events and most recently the food pantry and try my best to help. Seeing firsthand the impact they are having on people's lives is truly inspiring. My wife and daughters have also volunteered, and both learn and take away some great life lessons."

Hoffman also noted the mission and values of FITB are something he and his family admire, and his family plans to continue to support FITB in any way they can and encourage others to do the same.

"Filling in the Blanks does amazing grass roots work in our community," Peter Dreyer, a partner at Silver Golub & Teitell, said in a news release, "from backpacks at schools to mobile food trucks, their work to fight hunger has changed the lives of thousands and thousands of people. For us at Silver Golub & Teitell it is an honor and a privilege to support the work that they do."