Inaugural race will benefit area youth
Nick Gabriel is working to help the youth of Hampton Roads one step at a time – literally.
The executive Director of Hope-U Foundation is proud to announce the inaugural Run for the Cause 5K race at the Chesapeake campus of Tidewater Community College. This year’s event will raise funds to help provide food to the “disconnected” youth in Hampton Roads.
“We have 35,000 disconnect youth in Hampton Roads,” Gabriel said. “There are many youth ages 16 to 26 who are couch hopping with friends and are somewhat unsure when their next real meal will be.”
Gabriel defines disconnected youth as those who aren’t working or aren’t in school. This population might have a place to stay and food supplied to them but nothing is concrete. He went on to say many college-age students might have tuition payments worked out but paying for an apartment or food is not as thoroughly planned.
“These young people should be focused on their education,” Gabriel said, “not whether or not they will have food or shelter.”
The race will be held Saturday, April 27 at the Chesapeake TCC campus. Registration is $25 in February, $30 in March, and $35 April 1 through April 26, or $40 the day of the event.
Gabriel said he is expecting at least 300 participants for the event.
Proceeds of the Run will benefit Hope-U Foundation and help establish a food pantry on the TCC Chesapeake campus. Hope-U works to alleviate homelessness, hunger and unemployment for our community’s disconnected youth between the ages of 16-24.
“If we work together, we can make an impact on a community problem,” Gabriel said. “Everyone involved can help in one way or another.”
Not a runner? Check out the virtual runner option. Or, you can get involved by becoming a sponsor.
“We can bridge the gap for these youth and make a difference in their lives,” Gabriel said. “Together, we can impact our community.”
For more information about Run for the Cause visit http://hopeurunforthecause.com/. For more information about Hope-U Foundation visit http://www.hope-u.org/.
