Ogden, UT - For thirty-four years hundreds of northern Utah residents have gathered on Thanksgiving morning at Ogden Regional Medical Center to walk or run for charity. This annual event raises thousands of dollars and multiple truckloads of food for our local food banks from the ‘entry fees’. This year, however, the event will be a little different.
With the presence and spread of COVID-19 in our community (and to adhere to state leadership restrictions for mass gatherings) organizers have decided to change the Thanksgiving Run/Walk to a virtual event.
An opening ceremony with Father Cummins from Newman Center will be conducted for online viewing on the (Ogden Regional Facebook page) at 9:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning, November 26, 2020. Then participants are encouraged to walk or run in the location of their choice. Participants are strongly encouraged to donate food to a local food bank (listed below) of their choice; drop off food at the Ogden Regional Medical Center main entrance, or donate money to the (Newman Center)
“We feel it’s best to make this change to our Run/Walk this year In the interest of protecting our community.” Says Mark Adams, Chief Executive Officer at Ogden Regional Medical Center. “We’re hoping that our regular and faithful runners and walkers will understand the circumstances that caused this change, embrace the opportunity to do this a little differently this year, and most importantly continue to contribute food to those in our community who need it.”
“The importance of this event has never been greater than it is at this time.” says Sister Stephanie Mongeon, former Director of Mission and Community Relations at Ogden Regional “Our Thanksgiving Run and Walk was established to help those in need in our community. We have so many who require help. By supporting these worthy organizations, we are able to reach out to others. This is the greatest sign of gratitude for our many blessings. We experience the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Our reward is a good feeling knowing that we have helped make a difference in someone’s life. And, as a bonus, we get the chance to work off a bit of that big dinner we’re due to have later that day!”
The run/walk is co-sponsored as a community service by Ogden Regional Medical Center and the Newman Center at Weber State University.
“Entry fees” for the event consist of any donation of nonperishable foods, goods or monetary contributions. Donations can be made to:
Ogden Rescue Mission, 2775 Wall Ave., Ogden UT 84401, Ogden Rescue Mission
Lantern House, 269 W 33rd St, Ogden, UT 84401, Lantern House
Catholic Community Services, 2504 F Ave, Ogden, UT 84401, Catholic Community Services
Salvation Army, 2615 Grant Ave, Ogden, UT 84401, Salvation Army