On March 8, 2025, the Frederick community came together for Race to Feed Frederick, a high-energy, fast-paced event at Frederick Community College dedicated to tackling childhood hunger. The event brought together 90 participants who packed 2,400 bags of food, ensuring hunger-free weekends for local children. An additional 55 volunteers contributed a combined 192.5 hours to support the effort.

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and participants, the event raised more than $10,500 to help provide essential weekend food for children facing food insecurity in Frederick County.

A Community-Driven Effort

The Blessings in a Backpack Frederick Chapter expressed deep gratitude for the sponsors whose contributions made the event possible:

• DARCARS Toyota of Frederick (Title Sponsor)
• Legal & General of America
• Capitol Women’s Care
• Summit Construction, Inc.
• Howard Shockey & Sons, Inc.
• Keating Group of Keller Williams Realty Centre
• Rodgers Consulting, Inc.

Kevin Weis from Butterfly Ridge Elementary served as the guest speaker, sharing how Blessings in a Backpack makes a direct impact on students.

“The impact of Blessings in a Backpack goes far beyond the food—it’s the confidence, the sense of security, and the hope that no child should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from,” Weis said.

The Spirit of Friendly Competition

A highlight of the event was the packing race, where teams competed to pack the most bags in the shortest amount of time. This year’s winning team, the FCPS Superintendent’s Cup Team, consisted of student government leaders from across Frederick County. These students not only lead in their schools but also advocate for childhood hunger relief in the community.

A Shared Commitment to Preventing Weekend Hunger

Angela Abrishami, managing director of Blessings in a Backpack Frederick Chapter, emphasized the impact of community support.

“This event is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a testament to what we can accomplish when we come together,” Abrishami said. “Every bag packed and every dollar raised means more children will have the food they need to thrive. We are so grateful for our community’s continued support.”

Looking Ahead

The Blessings in a Backpack Frederick Chapter feeds thousands of children across the county each year, ensuring they have nutritious food for the weekends when school-provided meals are unavailable. The funds raised from Race to Feed Frederick will help reach even more children and reduce the number of students on the waitlist.

There are many ways to support the mission—whether by volunteering, donating, or sponsoring future events. To learn more, visit Frederick.BlessingsinaBackpack.org.