A race to the finish to benefit families in El Salvador

It’s not the win, but the finish that’s important for one runner who’s taking part in the upcoming Rochester Marathon on Sept. 23. Eric Bessette, a Deacon at the Church of the Transfiguration in Pittsford, NY, has spent months training to run 26.2 miles in a race he knows he will not win – but his purpose is much greater than the trophy.

“I’ve dedicated this run to a rural village in El Salvador afflicted with poor living conditions, malnutrition, unemployment, and lack of education,” said Deacon Bessette. “My church has partnered with the Food For The Poor organization to help provide for this community.” 

The Valle Verde community is a 45 minute drive northeast of El Salvador’s capital city of San Salvador and was established in the 1990’s as a refuge for families displaced by civil war. Last year, the Global Solidarity Ministry Committee at the Church of the Transfiguration began working with the international relief and development organization to build a village consisting of 20 two-room homes, a library and vocational center, plus animal husbandry projects for self-sustainability.

With the construction for the first 10 two-room homes set to start in the fall, the Global Solidarity Ministry Committee is backing Deacon Bessette’s idea of using his participation in the Rochester Marathon as a way
 to raise the final funds necessary for phase one of the Valle Verde village.

“The determination of those who want to make a difference in this world never ceases to amaze me. Running in a marathon is not easy, but yet Deacon Bessette is willing to do whatever it takes to help others,” said Angel Aloma, Executive Director of Food For The Poor. “We are very grateful to all those involved in the Church of the Transfiguration for helping Food For The Poor to provide a better life for the destitute families
 in El Salvador.”

Deacon Bessette will be wearing a sash that reads “Running for Valle Verde.” He’s hopeful his community will make a pledge toward his run to raise the much needed funds to meet the goal.
Here’s how you can help: go to: www.foodforthepoor.org/transfiguration to make a secure online pledge.

Food For The Poor, named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor. 

For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.






Contact:
Wanda Wright
Food For The Poor
Public Relations
954-427-2222 x 6079
wandaw@foodforthepoor.com