Neighborhood House Invites All to “Scare Away Hunger”

As the first days of fall are upon us, walkers and runners are looking forward to the local tradition of “Scaring Away Hunger.” Neighborhood House’s 7th Annual Scare Away Hunger 5k Run/Walk will take place on October 22 at 3:00 p.m. The race begins at Rochester College, the presenting sponsor of the event. The route will be a colorful autumn run/walk around the campus of Rochester College, through the new Lake Norcentra Park, out to the Clinton River Trail with the destination of a beautiful scenic loop that will lead back to campus and the finish line.

“This race truly appeals to everyone,” said Sally Anglim, Scare Away Hunger Coordinator. “Runners appreciate that it is a chip-timed race and that prizes and medals are awarded. 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 funds raised at this event support 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 thrilled to welcome Auburn Hills-based FCA, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, as our first Titanium-level sponsor,” said Kathy Losinski, Neighborhood House Executive Director. “Our hope has been to increase participation again this year not only in donations and race participation but also in sponsorships to support the assistance programs that serve over 3,000 households each year,” Losinski continued. “Corporate sponsors like FCA and returning Platinum sponsor Eagle Ottawa make this goal attainable.”

The Scare Away Hunger event offers entertainment for families as it features local talents from Stoney Creek High School’s Drum Line and RARA’s Select Dancers. The Marconi’s Pizza Food Truck and Walt's Diggity Dog will be on site and are both donating a portion of their sales back to Neighborhood House. Family activities, including face painting, pumpkin painting, pumpkin bowling, volleyball and corn hole, will continue until 5:00 p.m. To stay up to date on added attractions for the event, community members are encouraged to visit the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/428127594229997/.

Race participants and their families are invited to come to Neighborhood House (1720 South Livernois, Rochester Hills) for the very first Scare Away Hunger Pasta Party, Saturday, October 21 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. Race Participants can pick up their race packet at that time and anyone interested in participating can register that evening as well. Portions of the meal have been donated by area restaurants including bread from Kruse & Muer, pasta from Silver Spoon, Bigalora and Rochester Tap Room, and salad from Buddy's Pizza. There is no charge for the meal, but a donation to Neighborhood House is encouraged and appreciated.

Race registration after October 12 is $30 per person and $25 per student. Participants who register as a family or a group also receive the $25 per person rate. Online registration continues until October 18 at midnight. Please visit www.scareawayhungerrun.org. Race participants and their families are asked to consider bringing donations for the 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 nearly 50 years. Since moving into their new building last year, 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/.