“With an estimated 130,000 people in Collin County living below the poverty level, more than half of which are children, the human need in our own local community is significant,” said Rev. Jennifer Arnold, Executive Director, Seven Loaves. “The annual Derby Run was begun to help us raise vital funds to continue to serve those in need.”

Racing to end the impact of poverty in Collin County (particularly hunger), Seven Loaves Community presents Derby Run, a 5K & 10K Run (strollers and dogs on leashes welcome), benefiting Seven Loaves Community, Saturday, May 2, from 7 to 11 a.m., at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 5801 W. Plano Parkway, 75093.  Event co-chairs are Aimee Heiser and Pamela Sewak. 

Seven Loaves Community was established in 2009.   The Food Pantry, the first initiative of Seven Loaves Community, serves over 1,800 individuals monthly (half of which are children).  It is estimated in 2015 over 850,000 pounds of food will be distributed.  The program now includes Joseph’s Coat, a clothing closet, which provides an average of 4,300 garments each month; Project Hope, a mentoring program to support women in crisis; and Plus One, a program that provides hygiene products to Food Pantry clients.

“All programs of Seven Loaves Community are more than service providers - they are lifelines of hope and vital to Collin County,” added Rev. Arnold. 

Project Hope is a transformational program bringing women and their families in crisis together with coaches to mentor and provide a support system. Volunteers from St. Andrew and from the community have donated funds and serve as coaches, sharing their gifts and talents, meeting with the participants weekly. Through deep, authentic relationships, both coaches and participants are transformed.  This program also helps by providing a stop gap program to support the needs of women in crisis who aren’t aware or who don’t currently fit the profile of existing social agencies.

“Project Hope has become a bridge for single women in our community who lack access to information about how to realistically set a path for themselves and their families that will lead to a better life,” said Project Hope Director Deborah Hill.  “Our participants are women who demonstrate a strong desire for change and are willing to do the work it takes to attain to a solid, sustainable quality of life for themselves and their children

Run registration includes the run, boot camp for non-runners, 100 yard dash and more.  Registration is available at www.derbyrun.org.  The schedule is as follows:  7 a.m. - registration and packet pick up; 7:30 a.m. – race warm up with Vitality Fitness & Nutrition; 7:45 a.m. –Call to Post; 8 a.m. – starting gate opens for the 5K & 10K; 8:30 a.m. – 100 yard dash and other events for all ages; 10 a.m. – awards ceremony.

Sponsors include: Gold Level Sponsor - ORIX Foundation, Dr. Pepper, Vitality Fitness, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, Kolache Factory, Luke’s Locker, The Float Spot, The Flying Landman, Pepsico, The Neat Nest, Functional Health & Wellness, St. Andrew United Methodist Church.

Fees range from $25 to $45 depending upon time of registration.  Online registration will continue thru race day. Walk-up registration welcome on race day beginning at 7 a.m.  Participation in the 5K or 10K will also give you access to the Family Events area.  For additional information, call 214-291-8038.  For more information visit:  www.7loavescommunity.org.