Coldest Night of the Year: Pella Walk Raises More Than $14,500 for Local Families
- pellarealestateservices
- Mar 4
- 2 min read
On a brisk winter evening, the Pella community came together for The Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY)—a family-friendly fundraising walk supporting Pella Community Food Shelf. This national event raises money for charities serving people facing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. This year,
Pella Real Estate Services proudly participated as a Route Sponsor, with two of our agents playing key leadership roles.
Community Commitment & Leadership
Ciara Ward led sponsorship efforts, ensuring local businesses and supporters contributed to the cause. Her walking team, Pella Christian Cross Country, topped the fundraising leaderboard at $1,225 raised, making a significant impact. Kimberlea "Lilly" Lehr, the Event Director, worked closely with Melissa Zula, Executive Director of the Pella Community Food Shelf, to lead the committee and to organize a seamless and inspiring event.
A Night to Remember
The event, hosted at the Pella Memorial Building, brought together:
110 Walkers
19 Teams
15 Volunteers
With the support of American Legion Post 89 and other volunteers, participants braved the cold to raise awareness and funds for those in need. The collective effort resulted in an impressive $14,500+ raised—a testament to the generosity of our community.
Supporting Local Families
The Pella Community Food Shelf serves 16 zip codes in Marion County, providing essential food and resources to 500 registered families, 50% of whom have children. Their mobile food pantry reaches an additional 240 families, ensuring no one in our community goes hungry.
CNOY is more than just a walk—it's a movement of compassion and solidarity. Thank you to all who participated, donated, and supported this cause. Together, we’re making a difference—because it’s cold out there.
Comments