A SUNY Oneonta benefit has raised more than $9,300 for the Action Hero Backpack Program at Riverside Elementary.
The backpack program provides food for Riverside students and their families over the weekends. The program is completely funded by donations from the community, with food provided by local grocery stores.
The
second annual Mindful Mile & Fight Hunger 5K run was held Sept. 23 on the SUNY Oneonta campus. According to the college, more than 200 runners and walkers turned out for the race, including Riverside teachers and students.
According to SUNY Oneonta, the college’s partnership with Riverside began last year when Food Network Chef Aaron McCargo Jr. hosted a benefit dinner for the backpack program during a visit to SUNY Oneonta.
Riverside Principal Melinda Murdock said the funds raised by the event will help ensure that the program can continue and grow.
“I am humbled by what I see today,” Murdock told the runners gathered at the award ceremony after the race. “What you have done for us today is not only solidify this program for this year, but you’ve also helped us into next year. The funds that you have raised today will allow us to give every family a backpack, every week.”