Amid the storms of uncertainty — the economic downturn, health problems and interpersonal relationships — sweet deeds that involve taking care of those in need are still quietly being played out all around us.
One of those local treasures is Gennesaret Inc.
Once a year, volunteers and others with the little-known Summit County nonprofit literally take to the streets giving thanks, walking and running in the “Home Run for the Homeless.”
The hugely popular fundraiser, in its 20th year, happens Thanksgiving morning and draws individuals and families. Last year’s event registered nearly 3,200 people for the one-mile fun walk/run and the four-mile race.
Gennesaret provides transitional housing to mothers, fathers and their children, and it also serves hot meals to some 600 people weekly in a dignified environment.
“Gennesaret is funded entirely from grants and individual contributions and accepts NO government financial support,” said Gennesaret board member and volunteer Pat Kunklier.
The program is run by Bob Dirgo, founder and president, and his wife, Mary, vice president.
“More than 300 volunteers support Gennesaret, from preparing and serving meals, distributing clothing, and picking up donated food items, to developing a Job Skills Training Center and a tutoring program.”
Supporting this mission is so important that the other volunteers, those that show up Thanksgiving morning, rain, snow or shine, regard it as much a part of their Thanksgiving Day tradition as the meal itself.
John D. Hoffmann of Cuyahoga Falls knows of what I speak.
“In 1994 when our oldest was a freshman in high school, she wanted to go to a run on Thanksgiving,” Hoffman said. “We all participated and had a great time with the other 300 entrants.
“Since then it’s become our family’s annual Thanksgiving tradition.” Those living out of town return for it.
And for the last seven years, Hoffman has worked as a volunteer cook the third and fourth Saturdays of each month.
Gennesaret’s physical facility has been equally blessed, as it moved last year into a larger building.
For that we credit the following:
• Northern Ohio Golf Charities gave a $50,000 grant for the renovation.
• Beasley Foundation gave a $35,000 grant for the renovation.
• Richard Van Auken — who retired from his architectural firm of more than 400 employees — donated his services, and his daughter Jill Adkins, an architect and owner of Van Auken Adkins Architects LLC, donated all architectural drawings for the entire project.
• Paul Testa of Paul Testa Builders called on his subcontractors to donate their time.
• Brian Stuckey, president, Suburban Maintenance and Construction (who also donates Thanksgiving turkeys to Gennesaret) paid three of his employees to do the interior demolition.
• Jim Stadelman, Stadelman Associates Inc., professional engineer, donated services.
• Dick Thomas, the building’s seller, agreed to a substantial price reduction.
• Spiro Goomis put the deal together, oversaw hood and walk-in freezer installation, and helped manage Gennesaret’s participation during the months of renovation.
• Painting labor was donated by First Congregational Church of Hudson.
• Sisler McFawn Foundation donated $8,070 to replace and repair the upstairs windows.
Now back to the Thanksgiving Day “Home Run for the Homeless,” which kicks off at 9 a.m. with Butch Reynolds, Akron’s very own Olympic track gold medalist and former world-record holder, leading the charge.
The course starts and finishes right in front of Gennesaret’s new Family Nutrition Center, 419 W. Exchange St. The four-mile race winds through the historic Glendale Cemetery.
All race-day proceeds go directly to helping those who have fallen on hard times, through the nutrition center and family apartments. Race-day registration is 7 to 8:45 a.m. at the nutrition center. Akron police are always on hand to direct traffic. Nearly 3,200 foot soldiers — walkers and runners — were on hand last year supporting Gennesaret’s mission and competing in various age categories for prizes like gift certificates from area retailers and restaurants. The same is planned for Thursday. Also, raffle tickets for a weekend stay at Salt Fork State Park Lodge will be on sale.
Runners are asked to donate new or like-new toys and gently used sneakers and blankets to the cause.
Preregistration race fee is $15, payable 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Vertical Runner, 112N. Main St., Hudson, or noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the nutrition center. If you wait until race day, the fee is $20.
Participants in the one-mile fun run/walk — which gets under way at 8:30 a.m. — pay only $2. Family discounts are available for both contests. Online registration is available now, and forms can be downloaded at www.gennesaret.net, where you can also find a course map, parking map and information about shuttle service. For more information, please call Bob or Mary Dirgo at 330-923-2222.
For this, all of this, we give thanks!
Jewell Cardwell can be reached at 330-996-3567 or emailed at jcardwell@thebeaconjournal.com