5th Annual Bridges Streets-to-Homes 5K Walk & Run
On Saturday Sept 30th, Bridges Outreach hosted its 5th Annual Bridges Streets-to-Homes 5K Walk & Run in Summit NJ. Despite the rain, over 100 participants crossed the finish line. Other events of the day included a Kids Fun Run, a rejuvenating Burn & Flow class led by The Goodburn, and stations to meet event sponsors and pack lunches for distribution during Bridges’ streets-based case management. Thanks to event sponsorships as well as individual and team fundraising efforts, the event raised over $36,000 to end chronic homelessness in Union and Essex Counties – NJ.
“The Bridges 5K was such a wonderful event! I want to thank all of our sponsors for their generous support – we couldn’t do it without you!” reflected Jessica Mills – Bridges Board Member and Fundraising Chair.
Bridges Outreach is at the forefront of tackling chronic homelessness. Founded in 1988 by Geoff and Ginger Worden of Summit NJ, Bridges provides resources and case management to those experiencing homelessness and facing imminent homelessness. Project Connect, launched in 2014, connects people experiencing homelessness in Newark with trained case managers to ultimately achieve permanent housing. “This past year, Bridges has helped to create a 27.7% reduction in unsheltered homelessness, in New Jersey. Bridges is about meeting people where they are, literally and figuratively. We believe that housing is a human right.” Shares Richard Uniacke, President of Bridges Outreach.
Runners were fueled with competition, camaraderie, and a shared passion to make an impact. Congratulations to the top 3 male finishers: Paul Dorsey, 18:14.1, Leon Sarkissian, 19:04.3, and Carlos Cañaveral, 19:14.7; and the top 3 female finishers: Dena Peyster, 20:46.5, Christine Ciccone, 24:11.2, and Sophie Capone, 25:35.3.
Bridges is grateful to all event sponsors. Collaborative Sponsor: Boston Consulting Group; Influencer Sponsors: NY Giants, Oak Knoll School, and Coni Frezzo and Ed Sannini; Outreach Sponsors: Allied Beverage Group, Liquid Church, PSEG, Delia Hamlet, and Rosen Kelly Conway; Community Partner Sponsors: Frames for You, Club Pilates Short Hills, Kent Place School, Lois Schneider Realtor, Propeller, Veracity Athletics, The Fine Art of Mike Dziomba, The R3finery, and Brynne & David Thompson Family; Valued Sponsors: The Goodburn, New Jersey DJ Services, Robert Irvine’s FitCrunch, and Sweet Nothings. Special thanks to Teens Tackle Homelessness and Oak Knoll School students who helped with event registration and the Kids Fun Run, and The Goodburn for a pre-run stretch & warm-up for all.
“Participating in events like The Bridges 5K is just one way that we can prioritize the physical and mental well-being of each and every member of our community. When we support each other, we thrive!” reflected Valerie Flax and Jessica Scarpelli of The Goodburn.
To learn more about Bridges Outreach or to become a volunteer, visit www.bridgesoutreach.org.
