'Night People' run fights hunger, poverty

By Brielynn Bell and Margot Harris
BengalNews Reporters

     Runners sat at the crowded table, which was covered with flyers and registration forms. Each runner walked away from the table with a plastic bag filled with goodies, a map with directions, an itinerary for the run, a large tag with various numbers, and a bright orange t-shirt that said “Friends of Night People.”

     Over 300 people gathered at D’Youville College on 302 Porter Ave., Sunday April 7 to run for a cause. Friends of Night People Inc., located on 394 Hudson St., hosted its 10^th annual “Putting Hunger on the Run” 5k. The runners were here to do more than just run; they came to support FONP and their attempt to feed the hungry in the Buffalo community. 

Runners express their feelings on why they came out to run and what the cause meant to them:

     Executive Director Joseph Heary coordinated the event with the help of the development assistant, Nicole Gawel.

     “Last year, Friends of Night People served over 82,000 meals,” Heary said. “This year, so far, we have served about 20,000 meals. We keep seeing an increase in the number of meals we serve year after year. All of the money we raise today is going toward that cause.”

     Gawel explained that the non-profit organization is more than a place where people can come to get food at night. FONP also offers services such as medical care, alcohol anonymous classes, clothing closets, veteran assistance programs and much more.

     FONP accepts donations on a daily basis, including Saturday and Sunday.

     “We accept perishable and non-perishable products: food, personal care items, and clothes. We need it all,” Gawel said.

      According to the Food Bank of Western New York, there has been an increase, since 2006, in the number of residents who turn to pantries, shelters, and kitchens for assistance.

     FONP is a dedicated organization with a plan to keep its services ongoing for the future. With an increase of people in need, the organization is always looking for volunteers and donations.

     “When you start working with Friends of Night People, you will start to ask yourself, ‘Do I really need this, because there are other people who are really in need – is this a necessity?’ ” Gawel said. “I am not saying that I have stopped shopping completely, but I have really cut back since I began working here a year ago. This organization has taught me not to be so selfish.”

     Many runners who participated were from previous years and wanted to continue to support the cause, while several others were running their first 5k. Runners ranged from young children to elderly men, and from group-home members to experienced marathon runners.

     “It was for a good cause and I just wanted to support my community,” runner, Amanda Vetter said.

     “Putting Hunger on the Run” will help FONP provide food, clothing, and medical services to the working poor, children, elderly, and homeless in the West Side community. Sponsors included National Gird, National Fuel, UPS, Delta Sonic and Wegmans.

     The organization sees many people from the area at its Hudson location, but it also has newer locations on the East Side to cater to the people in the area.

     People can visit the West Side Hudson location any time between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.  People can visit the East Side location on 385 Paderewski St. from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. or 21 Westminster Ave. from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. for meal assistance programs.