Funds to target hunger, homelessness and mental health
(January 14, 2021) – The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon is encouraging participants to run – walk or bike – for others during its 2021 virtual event. The non-profit event announced today that it is directing this year’s proceeds to organizations supporting COVID-19 relief efforts with a focus on hard hit areas of hunger, homelessness and mental health.
“The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon has always aimed to help runners achieve their goals while giving back to the community. As we continue to navigate the pandemic, we’re shifting our focus from personal achievements to a collective mission to do something more for those in need. Run for Their Lives encapsulates our mission to raise money for organizations making a difference in our community and will serve as mantra and motivation for participants chasing goals in place of that race day anticipation,” said Alissa Cotter, race director of the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon.
The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon will benefit COVID-19 relief initiatives of the following organizations:
- Casa ALBA Melanie: Funds will help provide increased support to those who may be unable to access federal and state assistance, including childcare, medical prescriptions or supplies, temporary housing or shelter, and transportation.
- New Community Shelter: Funds will help support the shelter’s community meal and emergency shelter programs.
- Oneida Nation Emergency Food Pantry: Funds will help stock the pantry with shelf-stable, fresh produce, and meat. Funds will also help cover transportation costs that include delivering food to high-risk individuals or quarantined families/individuals.
- Paul’s Pantry: Funds will be used to purchase perishable and non-perishable food items for distribution directly to individuals and families in the community facing increased need.
- Russell Leicht DAV Chapter 3: Funding will go directly to helping veterans who are financially unstable, some experiencing homelessness at times. Funds will also help with bills.
- St. John the Evangelist Homeless Shelter, Inc.: Funds will address emergency shelter services, sanitation supplies, basic needs, transportation, and motel vouchers for those in need.
- The Gathering Place: Funds will help those experiencing mental health challenges compounded by financial hardships due to COVID-19
In addition to event proceeds, participants are encouraged to fundraise for the cause by setting up a fundraising page during the registration process. Registrants can direct their efforts to the organization of their choice or raise funds for the cause as a whole.
The virtual event will also offer a new way to get involved. As in past years, participants can choose to run a marathon, half marathon, relay or 5K by running or walking the distance on the day of their choice. New for 2021, the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon has added a 100 Miles in May Challenge, where participants can choose to run, walk or bike to reach their mileage goal over the course of a month. In place of a kids’ run, a Festival Foods Virtual Kids’ Challenge will also be offered with a month’s supply of activities to challenge the youngest athletes to get active.
“We are traditionally a running event but wanted to offer a creative way for more people to get active and join our fundraising efforts. Our hope is that in addition to involving our cycling friends that families consider taking on the 100 Miles in May Challenge and the Kids’ Challenge together as way to make a difference,” said Cotter.
The event’s official health partner, Prevea Health, will again offer training resources include a training calendar and virtual events to support those preparing for the marathon or half marathon distances.
Capacity is limited in all events. Visit www.cellcomgreenbaymarathon.com for more information and to register.
The 22nd annual Cellcom Green Bay Marathon will take place virtually in 2021. Over the past 21 years, the race has generated more than $1.5 million in proceeds for local charities.