BY Katherine Alexis Athanasiou
The Maria Regina Church in Seaford recently hosted the third annual Race for the INN 5K and Fun Run. The Interfaith Nutritional Network (INN), is a nonprofit, volunteer based organization that addresses the issues of hunger and homelessness on Long Island. The INN provides warm meals, shelter, long-term housing, veteran housing and supportive services to those in need throughout the Island.
The 5K and Fun Run took participants on a flat course through the beautiful tree-lined streets of Seaford.
“Since this is the third year we’ve held this event, we’ve really got a better understanding of all the elements involved in planning a race and this year went the smoothest its been,” said race director Peter Florey. “We had more than 100 people in attendance.”
Many curious local residents, unaware that the race was being held in their community, came up to volunteer on the course, allowing for a conversation to be had about the INN and all the work it does for so many struggling Long Islanders.
“Not only does the race help raise money for the INN, but it also helps to get the word out to those who might not otherwise be exposed to the INN,” added Florey.
Originally founded in 1983 as a single soup kitchen operating out of a church in Hempstead, the INN has grown tremendously. More than 300,000 meals are served annually across a network of 14 soup kitchens throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties, the largest of which is located in Hempstead. The Mary Brennan INN serves meals to between 300-500 guests per day. Aside from offering food to those in need, the Mary Brennan INN also houses a clothing boutique, where guests can choose from donated items for themselves or their families. It is also the only location where guests can walk in and take a shower.
Notable runners present at the Race for the INN every year are Hempstead Mayor Wayne J. Hall Sr and his wife Derrah. The pair ran the 5K in support of all that has been done for the Hempstead community by the INN. Hall described the Mary Brennan INN as a “safe haven” and “place of hope for those who are down and out.” He expressed gratitude for its ability to create an environment where those in need can feel part of the community as well.
The Mary Brennan INN has also created opportunities for local residents to help their own community. Derrah Hall remarked on the “tremendous impact” the INN has had on the Hempstead community, encouraging people of all ages to help those around them in need. 
“I used to be involved with the United Methodist Church of Hempstead and as part of a youth organization, we would encourage children to serve at the INN for the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons,” she said.
Serving meals at the INN is not the only way children and adolescents can get involved, as shown by runners Kevin O’Neill, 11, and Jack O’Neill, 10, of Garden City. This is the first time both attended and participated in the race, but they have visited INN soup kitchens on several occasions.
“The INN is very helpful for many people, especially those who don’t have homes,” said Kevin.
“It’s a really good and nice environment to be in,” added Jack.
The INN prides itself on being a judgment free zone where struggling individuals and families, fondly referred to as “guests,” can come and feel comfortable, safe, and taken care of.
Overall, the 2016 Race for the INN 5K and Fun Run was another successful fundraiser for the organization, raising $4,200. Rob Kammerer, a member of the INN Board of Directors, remarked on the success of the event.
“All funds raised by the race will directly help the INN in its mission to serve the hungry and homeless of Long Island,” he said. “The timing of this donation is particularly helpful because with the near ending of the school season, more and more children will be coming to the INN for nutritional meals.”
To find out more about the INN and how you can help, visit www.the-inn.org.
