Monday, February 10, 2025

Run for Hope: Thanksgiving Day 5K Supporting Local Communities

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Run for Hope this Thanksgiving

Take a moment to transport to another place and time. Picture yourself standing on the Prado Bridge at Balboa Park, with the sun rising over the California Tower in the distance. A hit song blares on the speakers, and you throw your arms up in the air with joy. Thousands of community members surround you in matching race shirts and costumes, singing along with smiles on their faces. This is the “Run for Hope” experience.

On November 28, Father Joe’s Villages 23rd Thanksgiving Day 5K, presented by Aya Healthcare, will be a heartwarming event bringing together thousands of San Diegans for fun, fitness, and philanthropy. Father Joe’s Villages mission is to prevent and end homelessness through comprehensive services that holistically support our neighbors in need. The 5K specifically raises crucial funds for food services programs, which served more than 919,000 meals in 2023, providing life-sustaining nutrition for individuals experiencing homelessness.

“The positive impact Father Joe’s Villages has on families and individuals struggling with food insecurity is the reason why we are serving as the Presenting Sponsor for the Thanksgiving 5K for the third consecutive year,” shared Amber Zeeb, Chief People Officer, Aya Healthcare. “Our corporate culture is rooted in giving back and our team members care deeply about supporting charities and volunteering in their communities.” With Aya’s dedicated support, the 2024 race will offer enhanced and new experiences, including exciting prize structures for fundraising and referrals, discounts for teams, an improved Packet Pick-Up experience, and bold new shirts and medals.

For many, this race has been a family tradition for over a decade, enjoying the opportunity to deck out in creative costumes and take a photo with Feather Joe, the run’s beloved mascot. Others may sign up for the first time after coming across the event in the news, being invited by a colleague, or searching for family and dog-friendly 5Ks. No matter how they get there, all participants this year will share one thing in common: their commitment to “Run for Hope.”

Through participating in the Thanksgiving Day 5K, you will be a force for positive change for individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity this holiday season. Father Joe’s Villages provide hot meals 365 days a year, including special meals at Thanksgiving and Christmas to restore hope and dignity for individuals who are struggling on the streets. Make the Thanksgiving Day 5K a part of your tradition, to ensure your neighbors can focus less on hunger and more on building a brighter future.

To learn more and register, visit www.thanksgivingrun.org. For sponsorships, vendor booths, and corporate team opportunities, contact (619) 446-2115 or visit neighbor.org.

Danitza Villanueva
Danitza Villanueva
Danitza Villanueva was born in San Diego but spent her youth with her family in Tijuana and grew up on both sides of the border. She has transferred her unique insight of cross-border culture, trends and philanthropy to her business and community interests. Danitza is the first woman from her family to graduate from college. She has two degrees, one from Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Fashion Marketing, and a second from San Diego Christian College in Communications. After starting GB Magazine with Esteban Villanueva in 2007, she has gone on to win awards and recognition from the community for her support of helping raise millions of dollars for non-profit organizations. Currently she resides in East County in San Diego where she and her husband Esteban run DAESVI Publishing, home to GB Magazine, among several other publications.

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