PTI 5K/10K Run Raises $100,000 to Fight Hunger

The seventh annual Piedmont Triad International Airport 5K/10 Run on the Runway raised more than $100,000 to fight hunger in the Piedmont Triad. Nearly 1,300 runners turned out to compete in the event June 4, which included a 5K run, a 10K run, a mile run/walk and a kids’ dash.

“We are delighted at the response to this year’s event,” said Airport Authority Chairman Steve Showfety, “And, we are grateful to the community for supporting this worthy cause.”

Proceeds from the seventh annual PTI 5K/10k Run on the Runway will go to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina, Greensboro Urban Ministry and Open Door Ministries of High Point. These organizations provide food assistance to Triad residents.

“Paul and May Gayle Mengert were Event Co-Chairs for this year’s run, and were responsible for fundraising,” Showfety said. “They took the responsibility seriously and have taken this event to a new level. We are very grateful to both of them for their leadership.”

“We were humbled by the outpouring of support from the community,” said Mengert, also a member of the Airport Authority. “Our presenting sponsor, VF Corporation, and all of our other sponsors have really stepped up to address this pressing need.”

In addition to the registration fee, participants in the 5K and 10K were asked to bring two non-perishable food items when they signed up for the run. As a result, the event collected 1,600 pounds of food to be distributed to those in need.

 “Second Harvest Food Bank and our network of partner agencies are committed to providing food and hope to the many who, unfortunately, have far too little of both,” said Clyde Fitzgerald, executive director of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC. “We are grateful that the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority has asked us, Greensboro Urban Ministries and Open Door Ministries of High Point, to partner with them on this event to help raise awareness of hunger in the Triad. The sad truth is that many of our neighbors don’t have enough to eat. This event will help us keep our pantries full.”

VF Corp. was the presenting sponsor for the event. Honda Aircraft Co., Michael Baker Company, ITG Brands and Tuggle Duggins Law Firm were Platinum sponsors. In all, more than 60 businesses and organizations helped to sponsor the 2016 PTI 5K/10K Run on the Runway. Media Partners were WGHP Fox 8, Rock 92 and WKZL.

“We would like to thank the sponsors, our charity partners and the many volunteers who gave generously of their time to help us put on this event,” Showfety said. “This is a regional airport and this was truly a regional effort that will benefit many, many people.”