Five Area Nonprofits Combine Forces to Raise Awareness and Funds to End Homelessness

In a unique partnership, five homeless service providers--Alive!, The Arlington-Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless (AACH), Community Lodgings, New Hope Housing, and Wesley Housing—are joining together on September 29th to host the Second Annual Acacia Federal Rock & Stroll to End Homelessness at Cameron Run Regional Park in Alexandria.

Hundreds of area residents will come together to raise awareness and funds to fight homelessness in our area. The day's activities will include a Help the Homeless Community Walk (sponsored by Fannie Mae), live music, a Cornhole Challenge, ZUMBA, jump roping, hula hooping, BBQ lunch, and games for all ages. 100% of online registration fees will be used to offer shelter, housing, and services for individuals and families experiencing or at risk for homelessness.

What:    Acacia Federal Rock & Stroll to End Homelessness

When:   September 29, 2012, 12:00 Noon - 4:00 PM

Where:  Cameron Run Park
            4001 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304

Who:   500+ area residents -- families, friends, youth groups, faith communities, and company teams!

ALIVE! is an organization of volunteers from over 40 religious congregations and the community working together to help those in need in Alexandria.

Arlington-Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless (AACH) provides transitional housing and support services to homeless families and women in Arlington County and Alexandria.

Community Lodgings’ mission is to lift families from homelessness and instability to independence and self-sufficiency through transitional and affordable housing, and youth and adult education programs.

New Hope Housing provides shelter to homeless families and individuals, and the tools to build a better life.

Wesley Housing builds, preserves, and manages permanent affordable rental housing with supportive services for low- and moderate-income families, seniors, and the disabled in Northern Virginia.

Rock & Stroll Activities Schedule

 Community Mini-Walk
12:00   Registration Begins
12:30   Mini-Walk Begins

2011 marked the last year for Fannie Mae's Help the Homeless National Mall Walk. But have no fear - you can continue to support efforts to end homelessness by walking at Rock & Stroll this year!

Zumba with Hilary
12:45-1:15

Ditch the workout. Join the party (and support a great cause, too!) Check out our Zumba Fitness Instructor, Hilary Kamins! Zumba gets you moving as does our ZUMBA sponsor, Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

BBQ Lunch and Live Music
1:00-3:00

Don't worry about messy BBQ--we'll provide the napkins! Bring a blanket, listen to the great music, and enjoy the last of the summer weather. Lunch will include some of the best cupcakes to be found in Northern Virginia, provided by Alexandria Cupcakes. We're also grateful for the support of the caring people at Reznick Group.

Cornhole Challenge
1:00-4:00

Challenge your friends and co-workers to a good ol' fashioned bean bag toss! Even with no experience, you could go from a Sally to a cow pie to a double deuce in no time. The Cornhole Challenge is being sponsored by our friends at Grant Thornton.

Kids Activities
1:00-4:00

Cameron Run Park has an amazing, beach themed play structure with exciting climbing and play features including triple slides, spiral climbs, pogo bounces, rock wall, spiral slides, mazes, kids conveyors, and wobble hoppers for kids 3-12. It's 2,400 Square Feet and 30 Feet Tall!

If that's not enough for your active adventurers, we've got hula hooping, jump roping, bubbles, sand play, and more! The kid's activities are sponsored by the great folks at Covanta Energy.

For more info:

www.RockandStroll.net                              

Michelle Jannazo, mjannazo@newhopehousing.org

(703) 799-2293 x11