Raising the Most Money Ever as We Support the Most Family Visits in Our History
Together as a community, we made history on November 23rd. We’re thrilled to share that for our 7th Annual Holiday Lights Hunger Run/Walk a total of 2,585 runners and walkers joined us and we raised about $109,000—officially setting records for the most participants and money raised! This adds on to our grand total of over $429,000 raised in the first seven years of our annual event fundraiser.
Sponsorships, registration fees, purchased apparel and gear, VIP parking passes, and donations directly support our work to make sure nutritious and fresh food reaches our neighbors in need. Here’s the breakdown in numbers that shows the inspiring commitment from our community:
- 2,209 walkers
- 376 runners (including 14 myTeam Triumph angels and captains)
- 150+ volunteers
- 51 sponsors and in-kind partners
The generosity from local businesses, individuals, and organizations are key to making this fundraiser possible. We’re grateful for our dedicated volunteer committee members who helped staff coordinate throughout the year and all of our day-of-event volunteers. Special thanks to Acuity Insurance (Presenting Sponsor), Making Spirits Bright (Host Sponsor), and all of our committed sponsors and in-kind partners.
The support comes at a critical moment as more children, families and individuals across our community are facing hunger. With inflation continuing to make it difficult for many families to afford basic needs, Sheboygan County Food Bank is tracking an average of 6,850 family visits each month at our Sheboygan Cares Food Pantry and partner organizations—a 240% increase from three years ago and more than the height of the pandemic in 2020.
If you would like to support our mission further as we’re serving more of our neighbors, please consider donating to our year-end giving crowdfunding campaign. Every dollar you give helps provide nutritious food and peace of mind to families in our community.
Shirts for Sale, Free Photos and Post-Event Survey
Did you miss getting a shirt or would you like to gift someone a shirt? We have leftover shirts available for purchase through the end of the year (or while supplies last) for a donation of $15 each. Sizes are limited and range from Youth Small to Adult 2XL in both the Sport-Tek and cotton materials. If you’re interested, please email Erin at [email protected] for size availability, payment and pickup details.
Shout out to Hillary Brions, Mike Brunette, Tom Matzdorf, Angela Panosh, and Erika Rusch Reimer for volunteering their incredible photography talents to help capture memories! Photos taken by volunteers may be downloaded, saved and shared on your personal devices. Special thanks to Gary Klein from The Sheboygan Press and Tracy Folz from Sheboygan Sun for also stopping by to snap photos.
We would love to hear from you if you attended our event! Take the short post-event survey to help us improve and for two chances to win $50 credit to our 2025 event.
SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, November 22, 2025 will be our 8th Annual Holiday Lights Hunger Run/Walk. Registration will begin in August 2025.
Visit Making Spirits Bright (By Car or Trolley) Through the End of the Year
Sheboygan County Rotary Clubs’ Making Spirits Bright is on many families’ holiday bucket list each year. The annual drive-through holiday lights show in Evergreen Park benefits Sheboygan County Food Bank by encouraging visitors to donate non-perishable food items (admission is free).
If you’re planning on driving through, please consider purchasing and donating the items listed below to help avoid the collection of expired food, provide items that are most requested by our partner food pantries, and make sure our neighbors receive safe and nutritious food. Low-sodium, low-sugar, and light-syrup food items are preferred when possible.
- peanut butter
- canned soup
- canned tuna and canned chicken
- cereal and oatmeal
- canned fruit
- personal care items (shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine products, etc.)
Visitors can also enjoy trolley rides, visits with Santa, wreath raffles, entertainment and concessions across the street in the Sheboygan Jaycees Quarryview Center. Making Spirits Bright is open every night now through December 31 from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (closed on Dec. 24).
