First Harvest Green Charity 5k Exceeds Fundraising Goals

Harvest Green’s inaugural OutRun Hunger 5k Family Walk/Run exceeded expectations, raising $13,500 for East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry (EFBHNM).

Despite inclement weather, 285 runners kids and adults laced up their running shoes to raise money for the charity, which provides assistance to families and individuals during times of temporary financial crisis. Last year, the organization served 20,378 adults and 16,557 children.

“Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry hoped to raise somewhere between $7,000 to $10,000 to help families in need,” said Shay Shafie, general manager for Harvest Green. “The run surpassed that by a significant amountthanks to dedicated participants and our generous sponsors.”

Thirty-six sponsors contributed $8,600 to the total.

The top three male and female finishers received awards. Kids received completion ribbons for participation in a separate Kids Run. Awards and ribbons were provided by Newmark Homes.

At the finish line, racers and supporters were treated to a DJ and opportunities to work off excess energy with Springfree Trampolines and a bouncy house. Harvest Green Montessori provided crafts for the kids. Renegade Kitchen and Catering and Lopez Churros offered food for purchase.

Carrus Care staffed a first aid tent and race photos were taken by Kendall Cupak Photography. 

Stacey Williams, community outreach coordinator for EFBHNM, said the success of the event has the non-profit already planning for a 2nd run on Sept. 28, 2019 — in partnership with the Johnson Development community.

 “It was a fun weekend,” Williams said. “This could not have been done without all of the support of Johnson Development and Harvest Green.”