GETTYSBURG, Pa. – The global pandemic couldn't slow down the Gettysburg College cross country and track and field teams last April when they took part in Run Against Hunger's first-ever Run-A-Thon to help raise awareness and funds for No Kid Hungry.
With the 2020 spring season cancelled because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Gettysburg squads found a way to help a great cause while also staying in shape from April 20-26. Run Against Hunger's goal was to combat food insecurity caused by school closures due to the COVID-19 crisis. All the proceeds from the Run-A-Thon went to No Kid Hungry, which is a nonprofit organization that helped schools and community groups feed kids while schools were closed.
Donations were either taken as a single contribution or an amount per mile based on the team's progress over the week.
Gettysburg's goal was to raise $1,000 for No Kid Hungry in seven days and the teams far exceeded that expectation. The Bullets were the top-grossing college team beating out the likes of North Carolina State University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States Naval Academy, College of the Holy Cross, and the University of Connecticut. Over the course of the week, Gettysburg racked up 1,345 miles which converted to $6,329 for No Kid Hungry.
Over 60 high schools and colleges all across the United States participated in the fundraising event and raised a total of $91,679.
The fundraising idea was brought to Hartzler's attend by his senior leadership group the Friday before the campaign started.
"We were thrilled and pleasantly surprised when we surpassed $1,000 in funds," said Hartzler. "This was a great representation not only of our current program but also to the parents, alumni, and the whole Gettysburg cross country and track and field family."
The April fundraiser was the culmination of a strong year of community engagement for the cross country and track and field programs. Last winter, the teams donated to the Gettysburg Community Soup Kitchen. The student-athletes received donations from family and friends and provided food to those in the local community. This past summer, the teams remained active by raising $1,165 for NAACP LDF and Fair Fight.
