The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM), WVSOM’s Center for Rural and Community Health (CRCH), the WVSOM Foundation and the WVSOM Alumni Association are encouraging WVSOM alumni and others to get involved to help raise money for local food charities.
A philanthropic 24-hour virtual race will take place May 16-17 to raise money for food charities in the Mountain State and beyond through the “Feed More in 24” challenge. The event calls on participants to walk or run within their communities (while practicing social distancing), find sponsors and donate the funds to a food charity of their choice.
“Health and wellness, nutrition, and service are at the heart of our mission here at WVSOM,” said Vince Morra, a third-year student. “The opportunity to encourage safe physical activity right now that ultimately feeds people in our communities helps us live that part of our mission.”
The event will begin at 12 p.m. on May 16 and will end at 12 p.m. on May 17. A website with complete details, an online registration form and a downloadable sponsorship form can be accessed at wvsom.edu. WVSOM is encouraging runners and walkers to send videos and photos, along with the number of miles completed, the amount they raised and their chosen food charity that may be posted on the school’s social media platforms.
“The best part is that we will provide a matching donation to the chosen food charity of the participant who travels the most miles,” said Drema Mace, Ph.D., WVSOM’s vice president for community engagement and development and executive director of the CRCH. “We will match that participant’s contribution to their local food charity on a dollar-for-dollar match up to $5,000.”