DCHA's Season of Giving 5K Run Was a Success

Nearly 200 runners, walkers, and sponsors raised more than $24,000 during the District of Columbia Housing Authority’s first Season of Giving 5K.  

For the very first time, DCHA’s non-profit arm, Community Vision, Inc. hosted a 5K in Anacostia Park on October 6. People began to gather at 7 a.m. to stretch and Wobble to the music. Following the national anthem and air horn starting blast, runners took off. Within 22 minutes, there was a winner. Seconds later, 10 more runners crossed the finish line. About one hour later, everyone who started the race had finished and was all smiles.

“This is a great turnout for DCHA’s first 5K and it is for a great cause. This housing authority knows that simply supplying housing for our city’s lowest income isn’t enough—especially during the holidays. Our community partners help us throughout the year to provide supportive services, but it is nice to be able to go a little further for our customers during the holiday season,” said DCHA Executive Director Tyrone Garrett. “Thank you all for helping us make that happen for so many of our families, seniors, and veterans this year.”

Instead of the annual Gift of Love bulbs that are distributed in the month of December, the agency recruited runners and walkers to support the authority’s holiday initiatives—warm coats, holiday meals, events for seniors and veterans, and gifts to DCHA customers.

Last year, more than 6,000 children in DCHA communities benefited from the Gift of Love program that offers books, treats, and other gifts during the holiday season. Hundreds of turkey dinners were distributed to the agency’s neediest families and seniors in time for Thanksgiving, as well. The annual Veterans Appreciation Day also receives support during this Season of Giving.

Generous support was provided by MCN Build; Amerigroup; Padula Construction Company; Safeway; Micon Constructions, HD Supply Solutions; Colonial Electrical Contractors, LLC; Supreme Aluminum Products, Inc.; MAC Services, LLC; James George & Co., Inc.; JRA Contractors; Willoughby Real Estate Co., Inc.; TAG Associates; Galaxy Painting and Decorating, Inc.; J.I. Davis; and District Realty.