- All proceeds will fund meals for families and individuals struggling with food insecurity this holiday season
- San Diegans to unite for prayer before the race and enjoy lively music and beer garden
- Organization’s goal to raise $400,000 to further support food pantry services
WHAT:
One of San Diego’s longest standing holiday traditions is back with loud gobbles at Balboa Park. On Thanksgiving morning, thousands of San Diegans, some in turkey-themed attire, will gather for Father Joe’s Villages 21st annual Thanksgiving Day 5K, presented by AYA Healthcare. This year’s Thanksgiving Day 5K brings a fresh return of the festive holiday spirit on Thursday, Nov. 24, from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Balboa Park.
Ending the race, the public can enjoy the organization’s famous post-race festivities with live music festival by Bill Magee Blues Band, have a drink at the beer garden and see children take pictures with Santa and animated-inspired characters.
Community members interested in joining the event in-person or participating virtually can register online or in-person the day of the event. An optional sunrise Catholic Mass in Plaza De Panama with San Diego’s Auxiliary Bishop, the Most Reverend Ramon Bejarano will be held at 6:30 a.m.
WHY:
In 2021, Father Joe’s Villages provided meals to more than 9,200 people, over 800,000 meals. Every day, the organization offers three daily meals to people living in their emergency shelter, bridge shelters and transitional shelter programs and a daily lunch for community members in need through the Franklin Antonio Public Lunch Program.
Additionally, families and individuals were faced with the high rise of living costs and the increased cost of gas, which left many to decide between driving to work, feeding their loved ones or paying their rent. With the lack of nutritious food resources, the short and long-term health issues people experience often makes the road to ending their homelessness much more challenging. All donations received toward the Thanksgiving 5K will further help Father Joe’s Villages in providing meals to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
DATA:
- Numerous studies have found that lack of food is associated with significantly greater odds of hospitalization, higher utilization rates of emergency services and both short- and long-term health problems.
- In this way, providing meals to neighbors in need can prevent the consequences of health issues—income loss and homelessness. Additionally, it can give them energy to focus on building a brighter future.
QUOTES:
“Thanks to the sponsorship from Aya Healthcare, we’re excited to reunite the community for our annual Thanksgiving 5K to walk (or run) alongside our team in tackling food insecurity in the region,” said Deacon Jim Vargas, President and CEO of Father Joe’s Villages. “Hundreds of families and individuals experiencing homelessness struggled even more this year to bring a meal to the table, so we encourage our fellow San Diegans to help us provide nutritious meals and help neighbors in need.”
“We’re honored to be the Presenting Sponsor for this year’s Thanksgiving 5K and assisting Father Joe’s Villages with providing nutritious meals for families and individuals struggling with food insecurity this holiday season and throughout the year,” said Amber Zeeb, Chief People Officer, EVP, Global Employee Services & Infrastructure, at Aya Healthcare. “From providing healthcare workers for local hospitals and healthcare facilities, to offering our employees volunteer opportunities to give back, our corporate culture is deeply rooted in making a positive and lasting impact in all communities we serve.”
ADDITIONAL DETAILS AND CONTACT:
- Organization: Father Joe’s Villages
- To coordinate interviews: Contact Daniella Rodiles, [email protected], 619-732-0789 ext. 326
- Date: Thursday, Nov. 24 from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m.
- Location: Balboa Park, 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92102
- Registration: From $30 to $50, visit thanksgivingrun.org/ to register.
- Links to use in your story:
- Father Joe’s Villages Official Website
- Father Joe’s Villages’ Thanksgiving 5K
- How to Volunteer with Father Joe’s Villages
- How to Donate With Father Joe’s Villages
- Further action: To donate or register, click here.
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About Father Joe’s Villages
As San Diego’s largest homeless services provider, Father Joe’s Villages ensures that each person can rediscover hope and leave homelessness behind. To address the complex needs of people who are homeless, the organization provides housing for more than 2,500 people each night, along with health care, substance use disorder treatment, job training, therapeutic childcare and more. This mission is made possible only through the efforts of compassionate staff, volunteer work, car donation, and generous public and private charitable contributions. For more information, please visit: https://my.neighbor.org/.
