Last month, our Food & Friends community came together in a remarkable way for the very first Move for Meals, and what an inspiring month it was! From running, biking, and hiking to strength training, yoga, and Zumba, participants moved with purpose, energy, and joy, all to support our neighbors living with serious illnesses.
Together, our incredible community logged 32,000 minutes of movement and raised nearly $50,000, an extraordinary display of generosity and commitment. Every step, pedal, and stretch was a meaningful contribution to ensuring that individuals in our region receive medically tailored meals and the support they need.
We were thrilled to see the creativity and enthusiasm of our participants, who joined in activities far and wide. Many took part in fitness classes at Reformation Fitness, One Rule Dance Fitness, and Yoga Sangha, while others hit the trails for 5Ks and 10Ks in Rock Creek Park. Beyond the physical activity, what truly stood out was the community spirit, cheering each other on, sharing milestones, and connecting with loved ones who were equally eager to support this mission.
Of course, we also want to celebrate our top fundraisers, whose dedication helped make this event an even bigger success:
Top Fundraisers:
- Stephanie Branch
- Kieran Carney
- Arielle G
- Suzanne McMahon
- Jerry Blasenstein
Top Fundraising Teams:
- The Morning Crew
- Krebs Cyclists
- Friends Forever – F&F Alumni Team
- Plates for Plates (Reformation Fitness)
- Team Rachelle B
Stephanie Branch earned the top spot overall, combining fundraising and activity points to raise $3,052 and earn 7,624 points! Our raffle winner, Chris Daubert, also raised an impressive $1,280 and brought home prizes that included tickets to our premier annual gala, Chef’s Best Dinner & Auction.
It wasn’t just about numbers, it was about the heartfelt messages shared throughout the month. Participants and supporters alike expressed their gratitude and admiration:
“Thank you for being an inspiration!”
“You make a difference!”
“Delighted you’re able to raise funds and awareness for the nourishment of others.”
Each message reminded us that the generosity of our community is truly transformative. Your support allows Food & Friends to continue providing meals, nutrition counseling, and care that sustains health, dignity, and hope for our clients. We couldn’t be more grateful for everyone who moved, cheered, and contributed. If you haven’t yet joined our mission, it’s never too late to make a difference. Your support, whether through participation, donations, or spreading the word, ensures that no one in our community faces illness alone or hunger.
Thank you for helping us make the inaugural Move for Meals an unforgettable celebration of movement, compassion, and community. We can’t wait to see what we achieve together next year!
Check out your photos from the month here: Move for Meals Gallery.