87th FTS supports local food bank

  • Published
  • By Joel Langton
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A Laughlin unit is throwing their support behind a five-kilometer run supporting what will be the area's largest food bank.

The 87th Flying Training Squadron is providing a lot of the labor and talent behind the Running with the Bulls, a fundraiser Nov. 5 in Del Rio that is going to support Loaves and Fishes food bank.

The Val Verde Loaves and Fishes is combining the efforts of four local food banks. With the downturn in the economy, it has been difficult for the local organizations to keep up with demand. It is projected the area's largest food bank, which feeds nearly 1,000 people every month, will probably be unable to feed people the last two weeks of November due to a funding shortage.

"When we heard what they were trying to do with the new food bank, we really wanted to show our support," said Capt. David Guenthner, a member of the 87th FTS and race director. Members of the unit are involved in all aspects of the race during their off-duty hours.

"I just can't give those guys enough credit," said Bill Cauthorn, Loaves and Fishes board president. "They have really gotten in here and made this event a success. We are just awed at everything they have done."

Loaves and Fishes have even borrowed the 87th FTS mascot, The Red Bulls, as part of the race's name, Running with the Bulls. "It's a great way for us to honor what they have done," said Cauthorn.

The 87th FTS has thrown down a challenge to Laughlin units. The unit that has the highest percentage of its members participate in the race will receive the inaugural squadron challenge award.

In addition to the traditional first, second and third place awards for various categories, there are also digital notebooks, MP3 player, restaurant gift certificates and many other items donated by local businesses, for runners who donate five or more food items.

"Runners who bring five or more food items with them will have their name put into a drawing for these items," said Guenthner. "If every runner donates, one out of every seven runners will win one of these prizes."

So far, the race has surpassed every goal set. Initially, the organizers hoped to raise $10,000 of support. At last count, they were close to $35,000.

Other local race organizers told them that a successful event would have between 100 and 200 racers. Thursday, they had 251 runners registered.

Now, they have the added goal of filling five trucks with food.

"We haven't done anything better than anyone else has done," said Guenthner. "We just have a cause that people are getting behind. No one likes the idea of their neighbor being hungry."

The race is going to feature people of every stripe working together. "This event has really shown what can be accomplished when people in Del Rio and Laughlin work together. Any challenge can be overcome," said Bobby Fernandez, Del Rio mayor.

The race begins at 9 a.m. and will start and finish at Del Rio's historic Brown Plaza and will go down the city's Main Street.

People can register by going to www.Racerpal.com or register on-site between 7 and 8:30 a.m.

For more information, call Guenthner at (719) 651-8686 or (618) 593-2285.