Write a commentProgram invites runners to turn miles into meals while raising funds to feed children facing food insecurity
Erin’s Angels of CNY has launched its “Run Hunger Out of Town” charity bib program, inviting participants in the 2026 Utica Boilermaker Road Race on Sunday, July 12th to turn their miles into meals for children facing food insecurity.
The program is open to runners and wheelchair athletes registered for the 15K, 5K or wheelchair race. Participants who raise a minimum of $500 will have their race entry fee reimbursed after verifying registration. Every $5 raised will provide enough food to feed a child for an entire weekend. All proceeds will benefit Erin’s Angels’ Summer Meals Program, which provides weekend meal bags to children during the summer months when school meals are not available.
Erin’s Angels of CNY supports schools and school districts across Central New York through its Community Outreach Program, stepping in wherever the need is greatest to ensure no child is left behind. Most recently, the organization delivered food to the pantry at Kernan Elementary School in West Utica, helping provide relief to children who may otherwise face an uncertain weekend without enough to eat. These efforts reflect a deeper commitment to meeting children where they are and making sure they have the nourishment they need to feel secure, supported and ready to learn.
Participants will have the opportunity to create and customize their own online fundraising pages, giving them the tools to share their stories and inspire support from friends, family and the community.
“This program is about turning miles into meals and creating direct impact for children in our community,” said Sheila Dion, founder and executive director of Erin’s Angels of CNY. “Because of the commitment of these participants, more children will have the food they need on weekends when school is not there to provide it.”
The “Run Hunger Out of Town” program is not affiliated in any way with the official Utica Boilermaker charity bib program and is solely an initiative of Erin’s Angels of CNY.
Jack Pflanz, director of fund development and communications, said the program is especially meaningful to him personally. “I’m proud to be a participant in this program,” Pflanz said. “This will be my 41st Boilermaker, and I’m raising funds to feed kids who go to bed hungry the same way I did growing up in the Cornhill section of Utica. Every $5 raised feeds a child for a weekend, and that is something worth running for.”
For more information or to register, visit https://secure.qgiv.com/event/erinsangelsboilermaker/.
For questions, please send an email to Jack@ErinsAngels.com or call 315-374-0693.
Erin’s Angels of CNY, founded in 2017, provides weekend meal bags to students in need in Phoenix, NY. While Erin’s Angels currently serves children in the Phoenix Central School District, the long-term vision is to expand their reach and provide food to kids experiencing food insecurity across Central New York through its Community Outreach program ensuring that no child goes hungry. For more information or to donate, visit www.ErinsAngels.com.
