Runners set out on a 5K and fun run with a turkey theme. (Photo by Katja Zimmer)
By Emily Baierl, Correspondent
Menifee residents showed up in full force Saturday for the third annual Trot for a Cause, hosted by Healthy Menifee and the Menifee Valley Community Cupboard. Despite light rain showers, participants gathered at Santa Rosa Academy for a morning of running, walking, and giving back.
The non-sanctioned 5K and family fun run supports the Menifee Valley Community Cupboard and its ongoing efforts to address hunger in the region. This year marked the event’s largest turnout yet.
“This is the most we’ve had runners sign up,” Community Services Supervisor Michael Rinehart said. “We have each runner, each family, bring canned goods when they get here.”
Participants were encouraged to bring at least four canned goods to register, all of which go directly to the Cupboard to help local households experiencing food insecurity.
Executive Director Dawn Smith said demand for the Cupboard’s services increased during the recent government shutdown. While it has eased slightly since, the need remains higher than usual.
“It’s still quite a pace ahead, pacing much faster and going much faster than last year,” Smith said. “Every can helps.”
Participants were welcomed by a Healthy Menifee booth. (Photo by Emily Baierl)
The Cupboard continues to rely on community support, not just for donations but also to raise awareness about the services available. It accepts food donations Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It also receives clothing and household items through its partner, the Menifee Valley Thrift Shop, whose sales help cover administrative costs for both organizations. Families using the food assistance program can receive free clothing vouchers, providing additional support.
“Sometimes people don’t know that they need help, and they don’t know we’re here,” Smith said. “It creates good visibility.”
For many participants, Trot for a Cause is about staying active and giving back. Michelle, a Menifee resident for six years, said the run allows her to combine both.
“It’s important to help people in need,” Michelle said. “It’s really sad that people are starving. Everybody can come together for positive things. You just have to put that energy out.”
For first-time participant Shelby, who attended with her family, the motivation was also rooted in community connection.
“Our neighbors are over there and our soccer coach is right there,” Shelby said. “It’s just cool to see the people that you already have a relationship with doing something fun in our environment.”
Other participants have made the Trot an annual tradition.
“I just do it every year,” Steven Davies, a Menifee resident of five years, said. “It’s important to help the community. I enjoy the spirit here. I enjoy Menifee and the feeling you get here.”
Organizers designed the run to appeal to a variety of community members, from competitive runners to families pushing strollers. That approach helps create a welcoming atmosphere and emphasizes the sense of community.
“It’s really designed for everyone,” Rinehart said. “We have two components: the 5K and the fun run. We bring out people that are looking to set a personal best or families who just want to come out and get some exercise in.”
In addition to the races, the event featured local vendors and a free kids’ Fun Zone. A rock climbing wall and two large inflatables were set up to keep younger participants entertained throughout the event.
As organizers and residents noted, Trot for a Cause highlights the importance of community health and neighbors taking care of neighbors.
For more information about food donations or food assistance, residents can contact the Menifee Valley Community Cupboard at 951-301-4414 or visit its website here.
Here’s a photo gallery by Katja Zimmer from the event. Do you see yourself in any of these photos?
Photo by Katja Zimmer
Photo by Katja Zimmer
Photo by Katja Zimmer
Photo by Katja Zimmer
Photo by Katja Zimmer
Photo by Katja Zimmer
Photo by Katja Zimmer
Photo by Katja Zimmer
Photo by Katja Zimmer
Photo Katja Zimmer
Photo by Katja Zimmer
Photo by Katja Zimmer
Photo by Katja Zimmer
Photo by Katja Zimmer
Photo by Katja Zimmer
Photo by Katja Zimmer
Photo by Katja Zimmer
Photo by Katja Zimmer
