CHP is gearing up for Grocery Grand Prix event

This spring NASCAR might have some hefty competition when Community Helping Place hosts their own racing event. Of course, that’s if there’s someone in Dahlonega that can push a shopping cart from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds.
On March 25, CHP will be hosting The Grocery Grand Prix, a fundraising event for their Food Pantry. Participants will be able to register until March 10, assembling a team of four to race a decorated grocery cart around the track at Lumpkin County High School.
Teams will battle it out in a race for charity and glory. But really, it’s the charity that matters most.
While CHP is no stranger to fundraising events, like their annual Tomato Sandwich Supper and Gold Party Fundraiser, this will be the first year for The Grocery Grand Prix. This new event will support the nonprofit’s growing presence.
“The idea for the Grocery Grand Prix was to create a high-energy and fun event that would highlight the need for monetary and food donations to continue growing our Food Pantry operations,” said Melissa Line, Executive Director at CHP. “When this crazy idea came to us, our board and volunteer team got behind it and the event took shape.”
Supporters can also attend the event by paying an admission price of donating any amount of non-perishable food. These will then be weighed and sold at a “sabotage station,” where teams and spectators can spend money to put canned goods in opponents’ carts to slow them down. Concessions will also be available, and all proceeds will go towards supporting the Food Pantry.

FEEDING FAMILIES

As CHP continues to grow as a necessary asset to the community, their need for outreach has also increased.
“As CHP grows and reaches more people each year, the need for another consistent revenue source for our food pantry has become critical,” said Line, “With the cost of food rising, and more people in need in our community, it was time to create an annual fundraiser event for just our Food Pantry.”
The event is shaping up to be very beneficial for CHP, with the prospect of increased donations by community members.
“What better way to raise food and awareness than to compete in a grocery cart relay race against other teams where everybody can enjoy the fun?” Line continued.
The Grocery Grand Prix will have races for three different age groups: Youth/Families (12-17), Co-ed adults (18-54) and Seniors (55+).
Registration will be $100 per team, but individuals can choose to sponsor a team. Additionally, sponsors can pay $500 to have their name or business featured on an event T-shirt. Teams will be responsible for picking up their carts from the CHP free clinic on Friday, March 24 between 4:00-8:00 p.m. They will be free to decorate their cart to show their team spirit.
The first race will kick off on March 25 at 8:45 a.m. at Lumpkin County High School. Prizes will be awarded for the fastest team in each category, and a special prize will be awarded to the team with the most sponsors.
For 31 years, Community Helping Place has been providing assistance for Dahlonega residents through services like their food pantry, summer food program for children, and Anne Green Free Clinic. These programs, supported by local donors and community participation in events like The Grocery Grand Prix, reportedly funded $1,035,000 worth of healthcare services to Lumpkin County residents in 2022.
“Each year, our volunteers and donors make it possible for over 250,000 pounds of food to be provided to those in need,” said Line.
Hopefully The Grocery Grand Prix will add even more to that total.
For more information on The Grocery Grand Prix, visit the event website or call 706-867-9621.