A video about hunger in Calvert County produced by a group named End Hunger In Calvert County (EHCC), the organizer of the bike ride fund raiser scheduled for April 25.
PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. (April 10, 2009)—On Saturday, April 25, at 8:00 am, over 300 bicyclists plan to mount up and hit the roads in the first annual End Hunger In Calvert County Bike Ride. Riders from throughout the metropolitan area, and as far away as Maine, will arrive with one goal in mind, to help feed hungry families in Calvert.
Event organizers expect to raise close to $10,000. The money will go directly to help re-stock the shelves of food pantries in Calvert County.
The event is being organized by End Hunger In Calvert County (EHCC), an association of over 30 Calvert County business and community leaders united behind the idea that hunger in the county can be defeated.
Robin Brungard, EHCC spokeswoman, says that more than raising money, the cyclists also hope to raise awareness of those who are struggling to feed their families as the economy worsens. The number of Calvert County homes needing assistance has been growing steadily. In the last year, food pantries have seen a 40% growth in the number of families seeking help.
Chesapeake Cares Food Pantry Director Cathy Ring reports serving over 5800 hundred families annually. That's up from 3600 the year before. "These are working families with children who just can't make ends meet," stated Mrs. Ring.
Rev. Robert P. Hahn, Chairman of End Hunger In Calvert County and Senior Pastor of Chesapeake Church noted the severity of the situation in a statement: "It's impossible to keep the shelves full. As soon as food comes in, it goes right out. There's a lot of hurting people right here in Calvert, but we have a tremendously generous community in Calvert. It's inspiring to see how folks are stepping up to take care of their neighbors."
Four riding trails have been laid out for the event: one for seasoned riders, two for intermediate riders, and one for folks who just want ride their bikes for the sheer pleasure of it.
People interested in joining the ride can register at the EHCC website: http://www.endhungercalvert.org/bike.html . The fee is $35 if you register by April 15 and $50 thereafter. The website also includes information on how to donate food or cash that will go feed families in the county.
With hundreds of cyclists expected to hit the roads on April 25