Chico Enterprise-Record
Article Launched:11/25/2006 01:00:00 AM PST

HIT -- Well, that went well.

The Jesus Center's first ever Run for Food fundraiser was expected to draw a couple of hundred people to One-Mile Recreation Area Thanksgiving morning to run or walk five miles through Bidwell Park. Instead, a thousand showed up.

"We're absolutely flabbergasted," said Jesus Center Executive Director Bill Such.

Maybe the idea of burning off a few calories to make room for the Thanksgiving feast ahead sounded good to folks. Maybe helping the needy helped swell the crowd. Whatever the reason, it looks like it was a good idea and a new Thanksgiving Day tradition.

Thanks to all those who pounded the pavement to help the with the Jesus Center's noble function. An estimated $25,000 was raised in the event, and a truck was filled with cans of food.

"Hits and misses" appears each Saturday. Items are compiled by the editorial board.