This Saturday, an annual Pine Belt event is set to take place, featuring multiple races for runners and cyclists. The event, known as the Farm to Fork Ride or Run in its fifth edition, raises funds for Extra Table, an organization providing healthy food to numerous food pantries and soup kitchens across Mississippi. One of the benefiting organizations is the Edwards Street Fellowship Center, which expresses immense gratitude for the nutritious food they receive. Starting and finishing at The Barn at Bridlewood, this event serves as a major fundraiser for Extra Table, ensuring they can continue purchasing and distributing food worth approximately $85,000 monthly.
With around 1,400 participants expected, this athletic gathering significantly contributes to combating hunger in Mississippi. The race not only brings together athletes but also supports those in need by ensuring that every dollar raised goes directly towards feeding the hungry population within the state.
Fundraising Through Athletic Endeavors
This year's Farm to Fork Ride or Run event is designed to harness the energy of athletic competition for a noble cause. By combining running and cycling races, it attracts a diverse group of participants who contribute to alleviating hunger in Mississippi. The funds collected will support Extra Table’s mission of delivering nutritious meals to dozens of food pantries and soup kitchens statewide.
The event has grown significantly over the years, drawing increasing numbers of participants eager to make a difference. As athletes gather at The Barn at Bridlewood, they embark on various race courses tailored to different skill levels. Each participant plays a crucial role in supporting Extra Table's efforts to combat food insecurity. With an estimated 1,400 competitors, the race promises to be both exhilarating and impactful. This unique blend of athleticism and philanthropy ensures that even more communities benefit from the essential resources provided by Extra Table.
Supporting Communities with Nutritious Food
Extra Table focuses on delivering high-quality, nutritious food to those in need. Organizations like the Edwards Street Fellowship Center are among the many beneficiaries who rely heavily on these provisions. Every month, they receive substantial quantities of food, often amounting to a thousand pounds or more. This consistent supply helps maintain their operations while providing vital sustenance to local populations.
The relationship between Extra Table and the organizations they serve is invaluable. For instance, the Edwards Street Fellowship Center appreciates every item delivered, recognizing its importance in sustaining daily operations. Ann McCullen, the executive director, emphasizes her gratitude for the continuous support received. This partnership enables Extra Table to address food insecurity effectively, impacting countless lives positively. The funds generated from the Farm to Fork Ride or Run play a pivotal role in maintaining this crucial service, ensuring that no one goes hungry in Mississippi due to lack of resources. By investing in such initiatives, the community collectively strengthens its resilience against hunger challenges.
A potential shift in tax arrangements involving Churchill Downs is currently under consideration by the Louisville Metro Council. This proposal seeks to extend an existing agreement that exempts Churchill Downs from certain local property taxes for another three decades. Unlike other businesses, Churchill Downs has not paid these taxes since 2002 due to a special arrangement with the city. Instead, it has been making payments directly to Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) as part of a Payment In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT) program. Now, however, there are plans to redirect this funding stream towards the city’s general fund rather than continuing support for public education. Proponents argue this move will ensure fairer allocation of resources while critics worry about its impact on school budgets.
This issue stems from a long-standing deal established when ownership of the historic race track transferred to the city nearly two decades ago. Under this agreement, Churchill Downs became exempt from property taxation but committed itself to compensating JCPS through periodic financial contributions equivalent to what would have been their share otherwise. Over recent years, these payments have grown substantially following corrections made to earlier valuations of the property. Mayor Craig Greenberg justifies this proposed reallocation by emphasizing the extensive municipal services provided to Churchill Downs annually without adequate reimbursement.
Greenberg highlights that despite hosting major events like the Kentucky Derby which heavily utilize public infrastructure and emergency response teams, no direct tax revenue accrues to the city from gaming operations or hotel accommodations at Churchill Downs. Consequently, he advocates reallocating the PILOT funds to address broader municipal needs. Meanwhile, JCPS officials express surprise over being excluded from discussions surrounding this significant change affecting their budgetary allocations.
Council Member Markus Winkler supports the initiative, arguing it reflects equitable treatment among large enterprises operating within Louisville. He points out how critical such incentives remain in retaining major employers amidst concerns raised by corporate relocations seen recently within the region. Co-sponsoring the resolution alongside Republican colleague Kevin Kramer underscores bipartisan backing behind this strategic economic decision aimed at bolstering both city finances and sustaining employment opportunities linked to Churchill Downs’ substantial renovation projects underway.
While acknowledging possible apprehensions regarding altered fiscal priorities, Mayor Greenberg reassures stakeholders concerning minimal adverse effects anticipated from this transition. By fostering new job creation associated with upcoming upgrades at Churchill Downs, additional residential developments may arise boosting overall property values beneficial across Louisville neighborhoods. As discussions progress within the Metro Council's Budget Committee, stakeholders await further developments shaping future interactions between local government entities and one of Kentucky's most iconic landmarks.
In the quaint town of Cheshire, young children from the First Church Preschool are making strides—literally—for a noble cause. For the second year in succession, these preschoolers have embarked on a "Trike-A-Thon," riding their tiny tricycles around the school grounds to raise funds for Team Cheshire Rides for Life. This team, spearheaded by Caitlin Celella, is dedicated to supporting cancer research and patients through the annual Closer to Free Ride event in New Haven.
A Community Comes Together
Amidst the golden hues of autumn, the preschool's campus buzzed with energy as children pedaled enthusiastically, cheered by parents and teachers alike. The event not only fosters a strong sense of community but also educates the children about the importance of contributing to something greater than themselves. Brenda Ward-Kelley, the preschool director, emphasized the value of instilling this awareness early in life. Celella, whose husband passed away from brain cancer two years ago, shared her gratitude for the overwhelming support, highlighting the uplifting atmosphere created by the collective effort.
After the exhilarating ride, the children indulged in sweet treats, celebrating their accomplishment with joyous laughter. Ralphie, an enthusiastic eight-year-old participant, expressed his excitement about seeing the cheerful faces of his peers as they circled the school grounds.
This September, the 15th annual Closer to Free Ride will see participants biking up to 100 miles in support of the same cause. Nicole Wichowski, who participated last year and plans to do so again, reflected on the emotional yet unifying experience that brings together individuals for a shared purpose.
From a journalist's perspective, this heartwarming initiative exemplifies how even the smallest members of a community can make a significant impact. It underscores the power of unity and compassion, reminding us all of the difference we can create when we come together for a common goal. Such events not only raise funds but also foster a spirit of empathy and solidarity among participants of all ages.