Armstrong’s ‘Walk for Hunger’ set for 7th annual edition
Seth Prentice thoughtfully worked to develop an event that simultaneously fights hunger and assists a high school senior in the lead up to graduation.
Over its first six years of existence, “A Walk for Hunger,” sponsored by Armstrong’s Breaking Bread program, has raised $37,691 for local nonprofits to fight hunger throughout Butler County and beyond.
The seventh annual edition of the charity walk will take place Sunday, Sept. 15, at Zelienople Community Park.
“Hunger does not have a stamp on any of us. Your neighbor could be in need, and you would never know it,” said Prentice, who serves as the community marketing manager for Armstrong. “It has been a huge undertaking, but the outcome is always worth it year-after-year because we have helped to put back almost 100,000 meals into this community. If we’re able to help one person, then we’re doing our job.”
Six nonprofits will evenly split the proceeds of this year’s walk: The Lighthouse Foundation, Southwest Butler Food Cupboard, Gleaner's Food Bank, Victory Family Church, Inspired Hearts & Hands, and Holy Redeemer Social Services in Ellwood City.
The event also has a tradition of bringing aboard a motivated high school senior to gathers sponsors and help direct the walk as part of his or her senior project. This year, Seneca Valley High School senior Sydney Heltzell has taken the event to unprecedented levels.
According to Prentice, Sydney has acquired the most sponsors in the event’s history and is close to raising $10,000 in a year for the first time.
“I’m glad that I have been able to raise the most and spread awareness,” said Sydney. “I don’t think a lot of people realize how big the hunger problem truly is.”
Heltzell said the project is also a benefit to her as she settles into her final year of high school.
“I wasn’t really expecting to raise that much money, but I’m happy that I’m helping a lot of people in the community,” she said. “The work I’ve done on this has kind of gotten me out of my comfort zone a little bit, so it’s all-around been a great experience.”
Registration will begin at 9 a.m. The opening ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m., with the walk to follow. A basket raffle drawing and a check presentation ceremony will wrap up the event.
