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StepALIVE walkathon raises $88K for hungry Alexandrians

Hundreds of walkers from dozens of congregations just raised $88,000 for Alexandria residents struggling to put food on their tables.

More than 450 people participated in the 43rd annual StepALIVE! 5K walkathon across the city on Sunday (Sept. 20). The event is the single biggest fundraiser for ALIVE! every year.

“We continue to see an elevated level of need from people who seek access to food and other essentials,” said ALIVE! Executive Director Jennifer Ayers. “And the only way that ALIVE! has been able to sustain our programs that serve roughly 20,000 people each month is through strong community partnerships and the ongoing support of people in Alexandria.”

ALIVE! board member Jennifer Ferrara said it’s inspiring to see people provide a safety net for residents in need.

“We have such a caring community and events like this help to highlight the people who are working together to make a difference,” Ferrara said. “As we enter this season of giving, I hope that people in our community consider donating food or giving financially so that ALIVE! can continue this important work.”

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.