DK Movement Cares Holiday Fundraising Supports Local Food Banks

Photo byDK Movement Cares

Bristol-based nonprofit DK Movement Cares is concluding a festive holiday season, filled with programs and events to support the local community, and with an eye towards 2024 and the second annual DK Movement Cares 5K in downtown Bristol.

Each Sunday evening, from November 26 through December 17 (plus additional bonus days), DK Movement Cares principals Kelly Houston and Derek Jones opened their home to local residents and visitors for a Holiday Food and Fund Drive amidst an array of festive holiday decorations and lighting.

Visitors were able to donate non-perishable items and make monetary donations, which are being provided to local food banks in Bristol. As of a week before Christmas, a total of more than 400 pounds of food and $1,000 has been collected.

“The mission is giving back to others at a time of need, Kelly and Derek recently told FOX61 Morning News, which featured the DK Movement Cares initiative. “Right now, food insecurity is the highest it has ever been.”

Special thanks are extended to Greater Grace Apostolic Church, Terryville; Christ Church of Deliverance, Hartford; and Mangum's Barbershop and Beauty Shop, Bristol for their efforts to make the Holiday Food and Fund Drive successful.

In addition, the United Way of West Central Connecticut and Make Bristol Better organizations have collaborated with DK Movement Cares to create an outdoor library placed at St. Vincent De Paul Shelter in Bristol. DK Movement Cares, as sponsor of the new outdoor library location, purchased the library contents, which will be available to those using the shelter and area residents.

DK Movement Cares is a 501(c)(3) non-profit; the mission is to provide compassionate care and support to individuals, children, families, and those with special needs.

2^nd Annual DK Movement Cares 5K Set for August 24, 2024

The date has been set for the 2^nd Annual DK Movement Cares 5K, which will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, with the start/finish line at Bridge Community Church, benefitting Bristol Special Olympics and the Agape House Homeless Outreach of Bristol. The race course will be adjusted slightly from 2023, based on feedback from runners in year one, and will be certified.

Early bird registration has opened this month and sponsorship information is also available; go to www.dkmovementcares.org or https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Bristol/DKMovement for additional information. The event will be introducing the new category of Running Club vs. Running Club, alongside traditional categories: Team vs. Team, School vs. School, and Gym vs. Gym, along with individual runners, fitness walkers, and a Fun Run for children 9 years and under.

The inaugural event this past summer was a resounding success, with participants, vendors, and sponsors highlighting a wonderful day of camaraderie and support for local nonprofit organizations. Over 200 race participants helped raise $11,000 in a remarkable display of community unity at the first-time event.

Proceeds from the event funded Bristol Special Olympics athletes entire bowling season and the purchase of new bowling uniforms. Agape House plans on using funds to purchase van to transport individuals to shelters during cold nights, as well as individuals who need transportation to get to job training workshops and educational programs.

Heading into its second year, the aspirational goal of the DK Movement Cares 5K is to be able to fund an entire year of sports activities for the Bristol Special Olympics and provide funding to cover operational costs for the Agape House.

Promoting Enduring Community Connections

“DK Movement Cares' vision is a world where every family and child has the chance to thrive and reach their full potential, and where love, compassion, and empathy are the driving forces behind our collective efforts to create a better future for all,” explained Derek Jones and Kelly Houston.

In addition to promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles, the DK Movement 5K Run helps to build a shared sense of community. By working together towards a common goal, individuals can strengthen their relationships and feel a sense of connection to their community.

“We are dedicated to making a positive impact in people’s lives by providing support for services that promote health, wellness, and independence,” Kelly and Derek noted. “We work to raise awareness and funds for other non-profit organizations that share our vision of creating a better world for those in need. Our ultimate goal is to empower individuals and communities to lead fulfilling lives and reach their full potential, regardless of their circumstances.”

Since its founding during the pandemic, the brand created by Jones and Houston has launched multiple initiatives to give back to their local community, including meeting with middle school-age youth at a Career Day and additional support to the local Boys & Girls Club and contributing funds to further the work of the Agape House.

DK Movement was recognized for their community efforts by the Better Business Bureau in Connecticut at their Annual Meeting & Awards in 2022. The nonprofit organization DK Movement Cares further extends those efforts. DK Movement Cares welcomes collaborations with local community organizations in Connecticut and beyond, building on their work in Bristol.