Photo courtesy ALIVE!
On an ideal fall day, hundreds of people in Alexandria supported StepALIVE!, a walkathon to support the nonprofit organization ALIVE! in its quest to support people dealing with food and housing insecurity.
Funding from this event helps pay for essential basic needs and other support services through ALIVE!
More than 450 people participated in the 43rd annual StepALIVE! and helped raise more than $88,000.
Sixty-seven congregations, local organizations, and businesses made special financial contributions to sponsor the event including Voyager Level Sponsor Blaszkow Legal, and Trailblazer Sponsorships from Westminster Presbyterian Church, The Old Town Festival of Speed and Style, and Amazon.
“Not only is this event ALIVE!’s largest single fundraising day, but it also creates a space for our community to come together and take a step toward alleviating food insecurity and housing insecurity in the City of Alexandria,” says ALIVE! Executive Director Jennifer Ayers, “We continue to see an elevated level of need from people who seek access to food and other essentials, and the only way that ALIVE! has been able to sustain our programs that serve roughly 20,000 people each month is through strong community partnerships and the ongoing support of people in Alexandria.”
The 5 mile or 5k walking routes took participants through Alexandria past many of the congregations that guide and participate in ALIVE!’s work throughout the year. There are 50 faith communities who work together to provide guidance, volunteers, and financial support to the organization.
Both Congregation and Community Teams were recognized with trophies for their fundraising efforts on behalf of ALIVE! Congregation Team Community Praise Church and Community Team Cameron Station Striders Plus were recognized for recruiting the largest teams of walkers, while the Congregation Team from the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington and the Community Team made up of Church of Washington Street were recognized for raising the most donations for this event.
“It’s always inspiring to see hundreds of people gather in support of ALIVE!’s work to provide a safety net for our neighbors in need. We have such a caring community and events like this help to highlight the people who are working together to make a difference. As we enter this season of giving, I hope that people in our community consider donating food or giving financially so that ALIVE! can continue this important work.” says Event Planning Committee Chair, Jennifer Ferrara.
In addition to the walk through Alexandria, this event featured music from the Alexandria Citizens Band and Mountain Melody Band, a warm up lead by Sarita Bartaula of Pacers Running, remarks from Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson and Alexandria’s Town Crier Ben Fiore-Walker, and a 50/50 Raffle.
ALIVE! serves 20,000 individuals each month through three key programing areas: Food, Housing, and Financial Assistance. Founded in 1969, ALIVE! is supported by an 18 member staff, 50 interfaith member congregations and thousands of volunteers, partners and donors. Each month, ALIVE! helps Alexandrians access food through our two Food Hubs, pantry partners, and distribution sites; respond to financial emergencies and prevent eviction; and secure other support services and essential needs such as housewares and furniture. More information is available at alive-inc.org.
