DECA classes teamed up to host the second Hustle 4 Hunger 5K race and fun run. The event took place Nov. 12 to raise money for the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry.

“The four DECA classes worked cohesively under the direction of the class officers who worked tirelessly for the last month to make it the success that it was,” junior and DECA president Andy Cohen said.

The race began in the south lot of the high school and ran through the Briarwood neighborhood. Students paid $15 to participate in the race. Sixty-five participants began the race at 11:30 a.m. and most finished by 2:30 p.m. Sophomore Drew Hutchens took first place and senior Phillip Soncasie and freshman Austin Burton followed closely behind. DECA raised $3,000 from this event.

The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry currently helps 4,000 families each month, reaching between 12,000-15,000 men, women, and children who would otherwise go hungry. The overall mission of the Food Pantry is to treat every client equally and with respect, while providing food, personal care items, and community resource referrals to help individuals and families weather difficult times.

“We chose to raise money for the Jewish Food Pantry because it is a charity that most students are familiar with, and during the holiday season the pantry’s needs are at its peak,” junior Addie O’Neill said.

Along with the race, DECA organized a raffle with prizes that included Sportsman’s Bar gift cards, MAC Designs merchandise, and Pink Magnolia Gift Cards. All were donated in order to support the Jewish food pantry.

“It was fun organizing the race, and the effort put into the event was instantly noticed and appreciated,” sophomore Tommy Lee said.

Some members of DECA classes were in charge of calling local business, including Starbucks and Noodles and Company, to ask for donations. Others created and hung flyers to provide students and staff with information about the event. They also ordered medals for the winners.

Noodles and Company donated food for the DECA volunteers and there was a concession stand that sold beverages and a variety of snacks for all participants and spectators. The profits from auctioned items and money made from the concession stand also went to the Jewish Food Pantry.

“I believe this year was a lot more successful than last year because we had a lot of participants. We had a lot of businesses donating towards the cause, and we made $3,000 which is $1000 more than we made last year,” senior Enrique Peralta said.

Each DECA class is required to plan a fundraising event that gives back to the community. Past events include cookie sales, a DECA barbecue and the Beat the Affton car fundraiser during homecoming week.

In the upcoming semester DECA will participate in a pot luck lunch for all teachers and staff, which involves the teachers making meals with a winter theme for each other while the DECA students host, serve and clean up. This allows the teachers to relax and enjoy each others cooking while students do the dirty work.

These events all help members gain practical experience that sets DECA students apart in school today and the work places tomorrow,” Cohen said.

Although the club started the year off with a new advisor, students rose to the challenge and made Hustle 4 Hunger a success once again, raising more than in previous years. The event will take place again next year with a greater fundraising goal. Members hope to raise even more next year.

“I think this year was very successful. We had an excellent turnout and Mrs. Erwin has really stepped up to the plate with DECA, and everyone’s hard work paid off to benefit the food pantry,” senior Mariah Thoelke said.  #