Run/Walk to End Homelessness Raises Record-breaking $80,000

SPRINGFIELD — With more than 370 participants, Springfield Rescue Mission announced that its 2025 Run/Walk to End Homelessness raised more than $80,000 in needed funds. The 5K/10K Run/Walk was held on March 8 at Forest Park in Springfield.

“This was our most successful year ever, both in terms of participants and funds raised,” said Kevin Ramsdell, executive director and CEO of Springfield Rescue Mission. “While it was a bit chilly, the day was dry and mostly sunny, and spirits were joyful.”

Springfield Rescue Mission also saw high turnout for its spaghetti buffet and early-registration event at the Basketball Hall of Fame the night before the run.

“More than 150 of our participants came together for a delicious night of food, fun, and music,” Ramsdell said. “Thank you to everyone who came out for both events. We are so grateful to all our walkers, runners, volunteers, and supporters.”

Funds raised will benefit Springfield Rescue Mission’s shelter, food services, education, workforce development, and other services it provides to thousands of people every year. The money raised will also help the nonprofit expand its services for men and women as it strives to meet the growing needs of the community.

“Our services are desperately needed by an increasing number of people every year, but thanks to the generosity of our community, we will continue to rise to the challenge,” Ramsdell said. “In fact, we are so encouraged, we are setting the bar even higher for next year: 500 participants and $100,000.”

The Springfield Rescue Mission offers services for the poor and homeless in Greater Springfield. As a short-stay program, mobile feeding program, rehabilitation and transformation center, and transitional living facility, it provides food, shelter, clothing, medical attention, Christian counseling, financial literacy, digital literacy, workforce development, high-school equivalency, higher-educational opportunities and more, free of charge. To donate, visit springfieldrescuemission.org/donate.