Know those people who would rather give than get on their birthdays?
The ones who say on an invitation, “In lieu of gifts, give to Partnering to End Chronic Homelessness in Guilford County or Urban Ministry”? That’s exactly what Temple Emanuel, with an older campus on Greene Street and a newer sanctuary on Jefferson Road, is asking as it celebrates its centennial this year.
As a grand finale to a yearlong celebration, the Jewish congregation is asking participants in its 8K “Run for Shelter” — it’s actually a run or walk — at 3 p.m. Sept. 14 to bring nonperishable food donations for the nonprofit Urban Ministry on the day of the event. Proceeds from the actual event, which costs $20 to register before Sept. 7 and $25 after, will be donated to the multiagency and community effort to end chronic homelessness.
Run/walk participants will begin at the temple’s historic Greene Street synagogue and proceed through surrounding neighborhoods, returning to the temple for refreshments and prizes.
The course is certified.
For more information or to register online, go to www.tegreensboro.org or send e-mail to runforshelter8k@gmail.com. For more information about Partnering to End Chronic Homelessness in Guilford County, go to www.partnersforhomeless.org
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Speaking of Greensboro Urban Ministry: The money raised through this year’s Serving Greensboro Together event has been tallied and the restaurant pledges to help end hunger increased from last year’s $24,927 to $31,203.
The money came from more than 120 Greensboro-area restaurants that agreed to donate 10 percent of receipts from May 6. The fundraiser was billed as a way of helping Urban Ministry’s efforts to serve the hungry, homeless and needy.
The Rev. Mike Aiken, the nonprofit’s executive director, said the number of people who intentionally ate out exceeded expectations.
“People realize that the needs of the needy increase during these hard economic times, so they give more,” Aiken said. “Donors can better identify with the needy as they see food and gas prices go through the roof. They identify more closely with the homeless, as they face the possibility of losing their homes as a result of the mortgage crisis.
“We are blessed to live in a very caring community,” Aiken said.
Still, “I pray for the day, soon, when we, as a nation, will no longer tolerate poverty, hunger and homelessness,” he said.
Interested in eating at a restaurant that “gave back”? Go to www.greensborourbanministry.org and click on “Annual Events” and then “Serving Greensboro Together,” and get the 2008 list. Or call Urban Ministry at 271-5959.
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