News and Events

2nd Annual 5K Run/Walk for Anne-Marie House

Under beautiful skies and perfect temperatures, over 150 enthusiastic runners, walkers and volunteers joined Olympic Race-walker Joanne Dow in a 5K run/walk through Greeley Park and Nashua neighborhoods on September 20th. This fundraising event for Anne-Marie House, a temporary home for families experiencing homelessness, was organized by the Greater Nashua Interfaith Hospitality Network (GNIHN). Their goal is the elimination of homelessness, one family at a time.

Participants in seven age divisions from 8 to 70 years old took to the field and completed the scenic 5K loop. Don McCarty led runners with a time of 19:23 and Lora Woodward had the women’s fastest time of 22:20.  Race results and photos are available at: http://coolrunning.com/results/09/nh/Sep20_AnneMa_set1.shtml.

This was the second year for the signature event, made possible through the generous sponsorship of Evergreen USA, The Friel Family, Thrivent Financial, and The Telegraph. Additional sponsors included WalMart, Toyota of Nashua, Charles
Schwab & Co, Aegis Comfort Systems, Buckley Disposal Services, Longhorn Steakhouse of Amherst, Richelieu Club International, Kiwanis Club of Hudson,  Hampshire Hills, Lawns of Southern NH, TGI Fridays, Myoptic, Toadstool Book Shops, Applebee’s and Papa Joe’s Humble Kitchen.

Over $18,000 was raised for the non-profit organization, and through a unique partnership with donors, additional grants of more than $9,000 were awarded to 12 elementary, middle, high schools and community colleges.  Grant recipients included Nashua South High School, Hollis-Brookline Cooperative High School, Ledge Street Elementary, Lowell High School, Nashua Adult Learning Center, Catholic Regional Junior High, Nashua Community College, Wilkins Elementary, Mastricola Upper Elementary, Dutile Elementary, Chapel Pre-School, and St. Hillary’s Elementary.

The Greater Nashua Interfaith Hospitality Network at Anne-Marie House is a non-profit organization that provides a safe and caring place for children and their families experiencing homelessness. Anne-Marie House is a temporary home with 24 bedrooms, situated on a quiet country setting on property owned by the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary in Hudson, NH. Family accommodations are provided around-the-clock by volunteer “hosts” in a supportive environment. Support includes housing, meals, clothing, agency assistance, transportation, and counseling to enable families to again live independently. The average age of “guests” is just 9 years old.

The many volunteers at Anne-Marie House prepare meals, coach and mentor guests, maintain the facility, develop stronger community relationships, raise funds and advocate for the homeless. Anne-Marie House welcomes all volunteers and donations of items for families. Financial support may be provided via check to GNIHN, 180 Lowell Road, Hudson, NH 03051 or on-line via credit card at http://www.gnihn.org/newsEvents.php.