GREENFORD- The Big Reach Center of Hope is seeking sponsors for its second annual "A Walk for Hope" benefit in June.
Presented by The DeBartolo Corporation, WFMJ 21 and Compco Industries, the fundraiser will be held June 4 at the Boardman High School Sports Complex.
In addition to the walk, this year the event will include an "unplugged" segment at the Greenford Christian Church that will feature the inspirational testimonials of "Biggest Loser" contestants Danny Cahill and Amanda Arlauskas.
All proceeds from the events will go toward the Center of Hope's ministry, predominantly its food pantry, according to Director Scott Lewis.
"This event helps us give hope to people," he explained. "But without partners and the generosity of the community, we couldn't do what we're doing."
Each event is geared toward promoting in the community a healthy lifestyle, according Lewis.
"We've seen so many younger children come through here that are very obese...it's a sad situation," he said. "We know that teaching families to eat right is an important part of what we do here. And Danny and Amanda both bring parts of the same vision, that same message."
A Walk of Hope
The main event will be held from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Boardman High School Sports Complex. Registration costs $15 and includes a free T-shirt. Participants must pre-register. Forms are available at the Center of Hope or online at www.bigreachministries.org.
The event will feature a Chinese auction to help raise funds for the Center of Hope, as well as free holy yoga and zumba classes and a complimentary lunch courtesy of Chick-Fil-A.
Cahill and Arlauskas will be on hand to greet participants.
Items for the Chinese auction may be dropped off at the Center of Hope.
Biggest Loser Contestants "Unplugged"
This event will be held at 6 p.m. at the Greenford Christian Church. Tickets cost $15 ($5 for Walk of hope participants).
Cahill and Arlauskas will offer their stories of losing weight and keeping it off. Cahill, a former professional musician, will also provide music. A question and answer session will follow.
The event will also feature a health fair with informational booths and tables highlighting healthy, nutritional lifestyles.
Table space in the health fair costs $25 and may be reserved by calling the Center of Hope at 330-533-3278.
Scoop for Hope
In conjunction with the Walk for Hope events, Rita's of North Lima will donate a portion of every purchase on June 3 to the Center of Hope. Cahill and Arlauskas will serve as celebrity scoopers from 6 to 8 p.m.
The Big Reach Center of Hope, a 501(c)(3) ministry of Greenford Christian Church, provides resources and opportunities to help low income and underserved individuals in Mahoning, Columbiana, Trumbull and Stark counties and surrounding communities.
For information about the Center of Hope or the Walk for Hope event, visit www.bigreachministries.org or follow on Facebook and Twitter.
Kevin Howell can be reached at khowell@salemnews.net
