First Miles for Meals 5K is a Success for Connecticut Food Bank

More than 350 people turned out for the first-ever Connecticut Food Bank Miles for Meals 5K race on Sunday, June 5, in Norwalk, at Calf Pasture Beach.

The race raised nearly $45,000 to support the Connecticut Food Bank hunger relief mission. The first place male race winner was Justin Lubeley, of Darien. Lorraine Watkins, of Westport, placed first among female runners. Prize winners were as young as age 10 and as old as age 81.

“Despite clouds and rain showers, more than 350 runners, volunteers and spectators turned out for our first-ever 5K,” said Sarah Morocco, director of community engagement. “We were excited to see so many people respond and we appreciate the positive feedback we received. We look forward to next year!” Connecticut Food Bank CEO Bernie Beaudreau thanked attendees for supporting the work of the food bank before donning a number and competing in the race along with other Connecticut Food Bank staff. Events like the 5K help to “raise awareness of and funds to fight the problem of hunger,” Beaudreau said. Citizens Bank was presenting sponsor of the Miles for Meals 5K and employees supported the event as volunteers or runners.

Paul Savino, SVP, Commercial Banking, addressed runners before the starting horn, saying “Citizens Bank is proud to sponsor this inaugural event and help the Connecticut Food Bank continue to fight hunger in our community.” Savino noted Citizens support of other Connecticut Food Bank programs, including the Kids’ BackPack program and last year’s Hunger Action Month activities throughout September. Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling welcomed participants to Calf Pasture Beach and thanked them for supporting the Connecticut Food Bank. “It’s hard to believe that right here in Fairfield County and all over Connecticut, we have people who wake up hungry and go to bed hungry,” Rilling said.

“Thank you for donating your dollars and time to help feed hungry people.” State Senator Bob Duff presented a citation from the Legislature. “The Connecticut Food Bank does great things,” Duff said, noting the food bank supplies a network of community based organizations like Person-to-Person, which operates programs in the area. “Your participation today ensures there is food on the table” for people in need. Duff said. He presented the citation on behalf of himself and State Representative Chris Perone, who was also at the event to greet participants.

Citizens Bank is presenting sponsor of the Connecticut Food Bank Miles for Meals 5K. Fairfield Living Magazine is exclusive Magazine sponsor. ANSAC is Kids’ Corner sponsor. Dworken, Hillman, LaMorte & Sterczala, P.C. is the Start and Finish Line sponsor. Radio Sponsor is 95.9 Fox. HomeServe USA is Registration sponsor. Water Station sponsors are Edible Arrangements and Marcum LLP. Award Ceremony sponsor is Kings Food Markets. View race results at jbsports.com. See event photos at ctfoodbank.org/5K.

About the Connecticut Food Bank:

The Connecticut Food Bank is the state’s non-profit leader in the fight against hunger and the largest provider of charitably donated food. The Connecticut Food Bank partnered with the food industry, food growers, donors and volunteers to provide enough food last year to prepare more than 19.2 million meals. We distribute that food through a network of community based programs to more than 300,000 people across six Connecticut counties. Visit us on the web at ctfoodbank.org, like us on Facebook and follow @CTFoodBank on Twitter and Instagram.