Give n’ Gobble
Thanksgiving Day

Last year this “hugely successful event” included more than 1,000 runners and walkers of all ages 3 to 87. Over the last two years the Give n’ Gobble has become a Thanksgiving Day family tradition. This one-day event has raised enough money and food donations (seven tons of food so far) to fund Helping Hands, a local food bank affiliated with the Oregon Food Bank, for the entire year...feeding hundreds of local families.

This community is now looked at by organizations, and religious leaders, around the country as an example of how a community can pull together to end hunger at a local level.

Based on how much of a calorie burn you are looking for to make room for your Thanksgiving feast, you can choose the 5k, which is flat and fast, or the 10k, which offers a beautiful and challenging route with rolling hills. The race starts at the Sherwood High School stadium.

Register online at www.GiveNGobble.com for the 3rd annual Give N’ Gobble and run, walk or even “mosey” with your family in support of needy families!

Join in for this holiday tradition and help make a difference with one step at a time. For more information visit www. givengobble.com.

Jingle Bell Run & Walk
November 12 to December 13, 2009

Get your bells on — it’s time to ring in the season with one of the most beloved holiday traditions. The Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation will hold its Annual Jingle Bell Run & Walk to benefit research, programs, and services to prevent, control, and cure arthritis. There are seven walks/runs throughout Washington, Portland, and Alaska.

The Jingle Bell Run & Walk has become a holiday calendar fixture in many of the cities. The annual event has become one of the largest fun runs to not only celebrate the holidays, but to raise awareness and funds for those who are debilitated by arthritis every day.

This year, the 5k run and walk will be taking place throughout the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, with events happening in Portland, OR, and Bellingham and Seattle, WA. With more than 12,000 participants last year, the Seattle Jingle Bell Run & Walk remains the largest in the country. For more information and to register for the events or create a team, visit www.arthritis.org. Check out the Calendar on page 30 for a Jingle Bell walk in your area.

Bend’s 3rd Annual First 1000 Lights Community Walk
December 31, 2009

The 3rd Annual Bend’s First 1000 Lights Community Walk is scheduled for December 31, 2009 in Bend, OR. This year’s event has been expanded to include a Family Festival. Face painting for children and adults and a magic show and adult entertainment after the walk.

The beneficiary of this year’s event is the La Pine Community Kitchen and Sparrow Clubs USA. The La Pine Community Kitchen provides 1,000 hot meals each month and provides 100 food boxes each month to the poor, homeless, and working poor in our community. Sparrow Clubs USA proves you are never too young to help and assist children and medically distressed families. Independent contributions can be made through our online registration or included with a mail in registration form.

The illuminated walk event will begin at the westside parking lot of Juniper Elementary School and will proceed south through local neighborhoods to Highway 20 and then up the Summit Road at Pilot Butte State Park to the top. A half walk is also available and the event is pet friendly for all well-behaved dogs.

A post walk party with seasonal beverages and light refreshments will be served at Juniper Elementary School. All participants are asked to bring three cans of non perishable food, winter clothing such as gloves, hats, scarves, bedding, personal hygiene products, or pet food. Volunteers will be building a “mountain” of donated items in the gym.

For more information and to register online visit www.bendsfirst1000lightswalk.com. Online registration opens November 1, 2009. This is an all weather event and participants are encouraged to dress for the season. Participants are encouraged to carry a flashlight or headlamp. TRAX or all weather boots are recommended. The Summit Road will be sanded and scrapped as needed for safety.