A Milestone Anniversary Brings Our Community Together This Thanksgiving
This Thanksgiving morning, something special will happen in Bidwell Park. As the first light filters through the oaks, thousands of our neighbors will lace up their running shoes, not just to race, but to make a difference. The Run For Food is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and we at Golden Valley Bank couldn’t be prouder to mark this milestone alongside such an incredible community tradition.
What makes this year even more meaningful? Golden Valley Bank is also celebrating our 20th anniversary. Two decades of serving our community, and six years as the proud title sponsor of Run For Food, it’s a partnership that embodies everything we believe in.
Why Run For Food Matters
The Run For Food isn’t just another race. It’s a powerful expression of who we are as a community. Each year, between 4,000 and 5,000 runners and walkers gather to support the Jesus Center’s mission of serving our most vulnerable neighbors. Every registration, every step taken, helps fund community meals, emergency shelter, and critical recovery programs like Sabbath House.
“When people come in for a meal, it’s not just about food,” explains Amber Abney-Bass, Executive Director of the Jesus Center. “It’s the beginning of a conversation about housing, employment, recovery, and hope. Every plate we serve has the potential to change a life.”
Our Commitment Runs Deep
Gentry Power and Amber-Abney-Bass
Our partnership with the Jesus Center and Run For Food began in 2019, right after the Camp Fire devastated our region. As food insecurity surged and our community faced unprecedented challenges, we knew we needed to step up in a meaningful way.
“The fire displaced so many people and amplified existing needs,” says Gentry Power, our Vice President of Business Development. “It became critical for us to get involved in a positive, meaningful way.”
Since then, we’ve done more than just provide financial support. We amplify the event’s reach through video storytelling, social media campaigns, and community outreach. We cover the registration fees for all our employees and their families, making it easy for our entire GVB family to participate together.
“We kick off the Thanksgiving holiday by giving rather than receiving,” Gentry shares. “It’s a proud moment, and we’re full of gratitude that we can support Amber and the Jesus Center.”
Banking on Community
At Golden Valley Bank, we believe in serving all our stakeholders—shareholders, employees, customers, and community partners. The Run For Food exemplifies this commitment. It’s not just about writing a check; it’s about showing up, participating, and being part of something bigger than ourselves.
Over the past 20 years, we’ve built our bank on the foundation of local relationships and community investment. We’ve watched Chico grow, recover from challenges, and continually prove that neighbors helping neighbors is our greatest strength.
The Run For Food partnership is one of the most fulfilling things we do as a company and it perfectly captures our vision of what community banking should be.
Join Us This Thanksgiving
As we celebrate these twin 20th anniversaries, we invite you to be part of this incredible tradition. Whether you’re a serious runner or prefer a leisurely walk with family, there’s a place for you at Run For Food.
“When I see the crowds in Bidwell Park, families, kids, grandparents, all moving together, it reminds me that generosity is our community’s greatest strength,” Amber reflects. “Every step taken helps someone else take theirs.”
This Thanksgiving morning, we’ll see you at the starting line. Together, we’ll run not just to finish, but to ensure that every neighbor in Butte County has a place at the table and the chance to begin again.
Ready to join us? Register today at runforfood.com and be part of Chico’s most beloved Thanksgiving tradition.
And if banking on community matters to you, we’d love to help you or your business grow.
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