United Way of Tri-County pitches Heart of Hunger Challenge to promote fitness
FRAMINGHAM — Going for a one- or two-mile walk next month? Maybe more than a single time?
For $15, the United Way of Tri-County is offering raffle tickets for various prizes for those who participate in its Heart of Hunger Challenge — a one-mile walk or more every day during February, which is observed nationally as the American Heart Month.
All money raised will support a food pantry of the participant's choice — the United Way of Tri-County runs pantries in Framingham, Marlborough and Clinton, according to Sandy Baldi, special events manager for the nonprofit.
"It's difficult to get outside and be motivated to get out and be moving, but this is a way to support our food pantries and stay fit," said Baldi, herself a participant.
The activity is sponsored by donations and sponsors such as Auto Bright Car Care in Framingham, Clinton Savings Bank and FM Global. The UWTC runs two hot meal programs, handing out 3 million pounds of food annually, according to its website.
This is the second year in which the UWTC has organized this event. Last year, about $6,000 was raised from 260 participants who completed a total of 23,342 miles, said Baldi.
Depending on the number of miles completed, participants receive raffle tickets to win gift cards ranging in value from $10-$100 that can be redeemed at local restaurants, Amazon, Target and other national retailers, said Baldi.
Those interested can register on the UWTC website, where they can also log their miles.
"Last year, we had a big snowstorm during February and we ended up working from home that day, so everyone was thinking to postpone the event. But we didn't because that's part of the challenge," said Baldi. "So I went out and walked around my house — I forget how many times — to get my miles in that day."
Toni Caushi is a multimedia journalist for the Daily News. He can be reached at tcaushi@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @tcaushi.
This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: United Way of Tri-County unveils its second Heart of Hunger Challenge
