Christine Kickels is known to be found where the books are. As COD’s reference librarian, she is well versed with everything literature, but she’s got a passion tucked in her sleeve.

Kickels is also an avid runner, proud volunteer and supporter of the past five 5K events COD has put on.

This year, instead of volunteering, Kickels has decided to change it up and be the very last runner to begin the race. At first, this appears counterproductive, but Kickels will count each person she passes on the run and donate that much to COD’s food pantry.

“This year, I wanted to run and offered to be the ‘last woman running,’ a concept where one runner starts at the very back of the pack and tries to pass as many runners/walkers as possible,” said Kickels. “A donation to a charity is usually equated with the number of runners passed. I’ve seen this done at marathons and thought it might be a fun challenge to try here.”

Kickels had participated in Geneva’s marathon this past weekend and hopes to recover in time for this Saturday.

This year, the FUEL Pantry, COD’s brand new food pantry for students, is the main beneficiary from the Sunset 5K and food truck rally. The FUEL Pantry’s goal is to help students struggling with hunger to be fed and allow their attention to be focused on their schoolwork.

“Not only will my family donate to the COD Fuel Pantry, but other COD faculty and staff have come forward pledging to match my donation in some form,” said Kickels. “How awesome is that? My colleagues never cease to amaze me. With a several hundred participants expected, we should make a positive impact on the resources of the pantry.”

Help cheer on Kickels and other runners Sat, Sept. 17 beginning at noon and ending at 8 p.m. The run begins at 5 p.m. and the food truck rally runs for the duration of the time.

Other activities include a David Bowie tribute band, a St. Baldrick’s event, iPad giveaway, Youth Dash and ice sculpting competition.

Food truck rally vouchers are only $10 and registration for the run is ongoing and begins at $5 for current students.

The purchases of these vouchers and registration go towards the goal of $1,400 for the FUEL Pantry.

Ranging from Grumpy Gaucho to Connie’s Pizza, Cupcakes for Courage to Yum Dum, there’s a food truck for every kind of taste and every kind of person. Take your taste buds from Asia to Argentina, Italy and back to Maine all while supporting the end to hunger.

It is encouraged to not only monetarily assist FUEL but also support its inventory by bringing non-perishable food items to be donated.
To learn more about the rally and 5K, visit cod.edu/rally.