The Rescue Mission’s biggest fundraiser just got bigger, at least in terms of dollars raised. The Drumstick DASH netted $251,320, the most ever in the event’s 10-year history.
13,200 people participated in the Thanksgiving Day 5K in downtown Roanoke, with 650 bandana-wearing dogs on leashes. Another 200 participants registered to DASH-away in 16 different states.
“This was an enormous outpouring of God’s provision for the Mission,” said Race Director Uneita Mathews. “Ten years of ‘Moving Our Feet So Others Can Eat,’ a decade of blessings beyond and above anything we ever imagined. The winners are not only our guests who we serve, but all of our Drumstick DASH participants, sponsors and volunteers.”
“It’s wonderful to see the way people have embraced the Drumstick DASH,” said Mission CEO Joy Sylvester-Johnson. “It’s become a treasured family tradition for so many, while at the same time providing for many families who are in crisis.”
The DASH supports the food services department at the Mission, which serves about 900 meals a day. The money is raised through registrations and corporate sponsorships, which this year totaled 75.
The winners for the largest group registrations are as follows:
Largest Family Group—The Farmer family with 32 people from 6 states
Largest Church Group—New Hope Christian & Church of the Holy Spirit tied at 125
Largest Business Group—Fleet Feet Sports, 140Largest School Group—Hidden Valley High School Dashers, 190. Hidden Valley was also the largest overall group winner.
To date, the Drumstick DASH has netted $1.9 Million for the Rescue Mission.
