SYRACUSE, N.Y — After going virtual in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rescue Mission welcomes the return of its largest fundraising event, the Ride and Run for the Rescue. The Ride and Run for the Rescue, now in its 16th year, kicks off on Saturday, July 31st, 2021 at Long Branch Park in Liverpool. Bicyclists, runners, and walkers of all skill levels are invited to participate (walk-up registrations are welcome). Proceeds from this event support the Rescue Mission’s Food Service programs, feeding men, women, and children at risk of hunger. The Rescue Mission is the only organization in Onondaga County to serve three meals a day, 365 days a year to anyone in need in the community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rescue Mission pivoted its services by providing frozen meals to seniors in need, and moving to a takeout model at its Food Service Center.
The Rescue Mission’s cost to provide one meal to an individual in need is $2.34. In 2019, Ride and Run participants raised enough money to provide over 32,000 meals to food-insecure individuals in Central New York. In 2021, with an anticipated 400+ participants, the goal is to raise enough funds to provide 37,000 meals.
The 2021 Ride and Run for the Rescue offers five bicycle routes ranging from a 2-mile Family Fun Ride, to a 62-mile course with scenic views of both Skaneateles and Otisco Lakes. The event also features a USATF-certified 5k run/walk. All participants receive a complimentary breakfast from Starbucks and Bagelicious, a boxed lunch, a finisher’s medal and t-shirt. The event features fun for the whole family, including music, ice cream, raffles, and more! In the interest of safety, COVID-19 protocols are in place.
In 2021, we were able to raise over $90,000, which equates to 38,461 meals for our community – 1,461 meals over our goal.