2024 Summary

Together as a community, we made history for the 7th Annual Holiday Lights Hunger Run/Walk on November 23, 2024. We’re thrilled to share that for our 7th Annual Holiday Lights Hunger Run/Walk a total of 2,585 runners and walkers joined us and we raised about $109,000—officially setting records for the most participants and money raised! This adds on to our grand total of over $429,000 raised in the first seven years of our annual event fundraiser.

 

Sponsorships, registration fees, purchased apparel and gear, VIP parking passes, and donations directly support our work to make sure nutritious and fresh food reaches our neighbors in need. Here’s the breakdown in numbers that shows the inspiring commitment from our community:

• 2,209 walkers
• 76 runners (including 14 myTeam Triumph angels and captains)
• 150+ volunteers
• 51 sponsors and in-kind partners

The generosity from local businesses, individuals, and organizations are key to making this fundraiser event possible. We’re grateful for our dedicated volunteer committee members who helped staff coordinate throughout the year and all of our day-of-event volunteers. Special thanks to Acuity Insurance (Presenting Sponsor), Making Spirits Bright (Host Sponsor), and all of our committed sponsors and in-kind partners.

 

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, November 22, 2025 will be our 8th Annual Holiday Lights Hunger Run/Walk. Registration will begin in August 2025.

 

Event Highlights

Take steps against hunger on the Saturday before Thanksgiving through Making Spirits Bright's iconic holiday lights show in Evergreen Park before it's open to the public for the season. All proceeds from this event support Sheboygan County Food Bank. In the first seven years of this event, over $429,000 has been raised thanks to the generous support of our community.

• An exclusive, on-foot “sneak peek” of Making Spirits Bright 
• Opportunity to receive a goodie bag full of giveaways from sponsors and community partners (first 500 people who register)
• Free offsite parking and shuttle service to and from the event
• Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies
• Photo opportunity with holiday character(s)
• Onsite food trucks
• Professional race timing on accurately measured course (5K runners only)
• Free event photos courtesy of local volunteer photographers
• Award ceremony and after party at 3 Sheeps Brewing Company's taproom with a special band performance

 

Children 12 and Under Register to Walk for Free

Keeping this a family-friendly event, ages 12 and under register for FREE for either of the walk waves.

 

Become a Fundraiser

Become an Individual Fundraiser! Take even bigger steps against hunger in Sheboygan County by rallying people around you to donate on your behalf. Set your own goal and then have the option to create or join a Team Fundraiser with friends, family or coworkers! Individual Fundraisers created during the registration process have the option to choose to get registration fees refunded once at least $150 are raised. Learn more and start your registration and fundraising journey.

 

Can't make the event? You can still create fundraisers and make an impact for families in need in our community!

 

Other Ways to Register

We do not offer hard copy registration forms this year. If you need assistance with registration and/or if you prefer to pay with cash/check, we're happy to help you complete your online registration over-the-phone or in-person. Please connect with Erin or Lauren by calling 920-453-0169 or visiting in-person at Sheboygan County Food Bank (3115 N. 21 Street in Sheboygan), Monday - Thursday, 9 AM - 3 PM.

 

Event Maps

Course and Event Map (2024)

Parking and Shuttle Service Map (2024)

 

Volunteer With Us

We count on the helping hands of over 100 volunteers! Volunteers help with packet pickup, gear check, shuttle bus stops, water stations, the course, and clean up. Each volunteer will receive a Sartori BellaVitano wedge, Sargento Balanced Break, and one free 3 Sheeps Brewing Company beverage (redeemable on the evening of the event only) as a token of our appreciation. Thank you to Sargento, Sartori and 3 Sheeps!

 

Sponsorships

Cash and in-kind sponsorship opportunities are available between $250 – $5,000. Sponsorship opportunities for our 8th Annual Holiday Lights Hunger Run/Walk on Saturday, November 22, 2025 will become available in the summer of 2025. Please feel welcome to email Lauren at lauren@sheboygancountyfoodbank.com with any questions.

 

Sheboygan County Food Bank

Sheboygan County Food Bank distributes food through its core programs and in partnership with local food pantries and other organizations to make sure nutritious food reaches thousands of families, seniors, and children. Sponsorships, registration fees, VIP parking passes, purchased shirts and other gear, and donations for this event directly support Sheboygan County Food Bank's work to make sure food gets into the hands of our neighbors in need.

 

DONATE  |  VOLUNTEER 

 

Special Thanks to our Event Sponsor: Making Spirits Bright

Since 2012, Sheboygan County Rotary Clubs have been coordinating Making Spirits Bright, which is Sheboygan County Food Bank’s largest annual food drive. Admission to the park is free of charge, but donating nutritious food items is highly encouraged. Visitors have the chance to enjoy visits with Santa, wreath raffles, entertainment and concessions across the street in the Sheboygan Jaycees Quarryview Center.

 

Making Spirits Bright is open every night, November 29 – December 31, from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (closed on Dec. 24). Over ONE MILLION pounds of donations have been collected since the event started!

 

Making Spirits Bright generously offers their venue for the Holiday Lights Hunger Run/Walk – Sheboygan County Food Bank's second biggest fundraiser and only event each year. Learn more about the special partnership.