Hundreds of Alexandria residents gathered Sunday at George Washington Middle School for ALIVE!’s 44th annual StepALIVE! Walkathon, raising $125,000 to support families facing food insecurity and housing instability.
The event marked a milestone for the fundraiser, which moved to a new site for the first time since its inception. A total of 352 walkers participated, choosing between 5K and 5-mile routes through Del Ray and Old Town.
“StepALIVE! shows what happens when Alexandria walks together for a shared purpose,” said Jennifer Ayers, executive director of ALIVE!. “Every step taken represents a neighbor who will have food on the table or the support to stay in their home.”
The funds will support ALIVE!‘s year-round programs, which serve more than 20,000 Alexandrians monthly through two community food hubs, monthly distribution events, 17 pantry partners, and a home delivery program. The organization also provides emergency financial assistance and furniture to families transitioning from homelessness.
Blaszkow Legal and the McNeil Family Foundation served as top sponsors. More than 70 local partners participated, including Amazon, Old Town Speed & Style, NanoTech, Fairstead, and more than 30 congregations, including Alfred Street Baptist Church.
“ALIVE! does amazing work, and I’m proud to partner with them to help feed, house, and support our community,” said Joe Blaszkow, longtime supporter and StepALIVE! committee member.
Jennifer Ferrara, event co-chair and senior vice president at John Marshall Bank, called the event “our most community-centered StepALIVE! yet.”
ALIVE!, founded in 1969, is Alexandria’s largest safety-net nonprofit dedicated to food access and housing stability. The organization is supported by 50 member congregations and hundreds of volunteers.
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