MILES FOR MEALS SIGN UP SHEET

MILES FOR MEALS ALAMEDA COUNTY DONATION LINK

HAYWARD, Calif. — Bryan Rooney didn't know what to expect when he pitched Miles For Meals in April 2020.

Inspired by one of his own former coaches Dan Curtaz, the fourth-year Cal State East Bay men's basketball coach started the first edition of Miles For Meals during the midst of a lockdown due to the pandemic.

He's even more excited to see what this year's sequel will bring, as the 2021 edition of Miles For Meals will be held for a 24-hour stretch on April 29-30 beginning at 7 a.m. PT. All proceeds will go directly to the Alameda County Community Food Bank or each individual's local food bank.

"We're fired up," said Rooney. "We had a phenomenal response last year during a very difficult time. Although the times are starting to get better, the challenges the food banks face of poverty and people going hungry have not gone away. 

"We're looking forward to taking a step up and leveling up in year two, and we're very excited to get everyone involved."

But t's not only about running miles. In fact, there are three ways to get involved with Miles For Meals. The first is just spreading the word on social media, and the second is to have people donate directly to a local food bank.

And lastly, those who want to participate can run one mile every hour for a full 24 hours, or however long you can. Those who plan on participating should sign up using the link here.

Whether you run, walk, swim or row one mile all the way up to 24 miles, Rooney is happy to welcome anyone who wants to be involved.

"We're trying to make difference in people's lives," said Rooney. "When we join forces to do that, just like with any team, the impact is maximized."

After initially seeing Curtaz's idea on social media as he raised money for the Marin County food bank, Rooney reached out for Curtaz's blessing before taking the torch and literally running with it in Alameda County. 

All proceeds from the first edition of Miles For Meals in 2020 went to the Alameda County Community Food Bank. The event had about 100 participants and raised nearly $5,000.

Now, Rooney has his sights set on expanding. 

"We're trying to grow it statewide and honestly nationwide because homelessness, poverty and hunger is not relegated to one county or one state," said Rooney. "It's a problem that we all have to fight. So I'm hoping this event doesn't just raise money, but also raises awareness of how we can get involved and how we can make a difference."

The urge to contribute was clear, as Rooney felt the need to join all the first responders and healthcare professionals working hard on the frontline of the pandemic.

The support received last year even on short notice was a pleasant surprise.

"Honestly I was blown away," he said. "We didn't know what it would ultimately end up to be. We were right in the middle of a lockdown, and just trying to figure out ways we could help and make a difference. I'm so appreciative of the response, and we're looking forward to building on that." 

For more information, contact Bryan Rooney at bryan.rooney@csueastbay.edu.