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Hi. We're Middleburg Heights Community United Church of Christ (just call us MHCUCC). Our mission is "Come, for all are welcome. Stay, for God is still speaking. Go, and serve humanity."

One of our favorite ways to fulfill the "Go, and serve humanity" part of our mission statement is by supporting Second Mile Outreach, a nonprofit that runs a food pantry for Cuyahoga County residents, and a thrift shop (that also supplies household goods, furniture, and clothing to veterans and families transitioning out of homelessness). They've been feeding Cleveland, Ohio area families for decades.

We are also sharing the money we raise with The Gathering Place, another local nonprofit. Their mission "is to support, educate and empower individuals and families currently coping with the impact of cancer in their lives through programs and services provided free of charge." They've been caring for the mind, body, and spirit of the cancer community for over 20 years. The kids chose this charity because some of their families have been impacted by cancer.

On May 3rd & 4th, 2025, our youth, children, and their supporters are holding the 49th annual Teeter-Totter Marathon to raise funds that go directly to both organizations, caring for our neighbors who find themselves in overwhelming circumstances. Please support our kids as they lead this effort, working toward food justice and compassionate care in our area and teaching them they can and do make a difference in our world. Thank you!

You helped make 2021's event the most successful one ever, raising over $15,600 and more than doubling our original goal! In 2022, we exceeded our $10k goal by over $2,000. We again exceeded our $10,000 goal in both 2023 and 2024, thanks to you. We also had some great coverage from the press, which you can watch here. We can't wait to see the impact we'll have together in 2025. Can we count on you to help us support more families than ever this year?

Consider "tipping" our awesome platform, Givebutter, to cover the credit card processing fees. That way, 100% of your donation goes to make our Teeter-Totter Marathon successful (and, to reiterate, at least 90% of your donation goes to these two nonprofits)!

THE GATHERING PLACE

The mission of The Gathering Place is to support, educate and empower individuals and families currently coping with the impact of cancer in their lives through programs and services provided free of charge. This critical nonprofit has served more than 47,000 individuals and families on their cancer journey since its start in 2000. While it is a Cleveland-based organization with an east location (Beachwood, with a Wellness Center next door) and a west location (Westlake), the pandemic broadened their reach to worldwide with the introduction of virtual programs, seeing participants from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and 5 countries!

“When you're going through something that is so difficult words cannot describe, The Gathering Place is where you want to turn for support, information, kindness and compassion. The list could go on. Very grateful for such a place. I wish everywhere would be as amazing.” —Kristin R.

The programs TGP provides are holistic, treating mind, body, and spirit. There are a variety of groups serving all ages, and addressing both individual and family needs. It is important to note that The Gathering Place is completely privately funded, relying on donations to operate its many services. An event like the Teeter-Totter Marathon is an excellent opportunity for the families at MHCUCC who've received support from TGP to give back, and our youth are excited to ensure other children and teens will benefit from the care at TGP. You have our sincerest thanks for investing the time to find out more about this event, the charities we've chosen—and, of course, our thanks for your monetary investment by way of donating!

SECOND MILE OUTREACH

Video: An excerpt from a recent speech by Executive Director, Kaitlin Barick, including a story about SMO operations and community support.

Throughout Northeast Ohio, one in six people (including children) is food insecure – meaning they may not know where their next meal will come from.

What does Second Mile Outreach do?

Provides critical assistance to families in our community for basic needs:

Operates a food pantry. Membership in the Cleveland Food Bank guarantees high standards. The Food Pantry provides short term food assistance to those experiencing food insecurity. Families and individuals may come once a month to receive food to supplement their resources.
Offers furniture, clothing and household goods for low cost.
Collaborates with churches and other organizations who refer people in need.

Works with the VA to help veterans in transition with household goods.
Provides opportunities for individuals assigned to community service through partnership with the courts.
Offers support and guidance to those needing emergency assistance.
Donates clothing to women's and men's shelters.
Collects, manages, and distributes donations, including bulk item pick-up for a nominal fee.

Making an Impact in 2024 – and Beyond

In 2024, Second Mile Outreach made a meaningful difference in the community. Our Food Pantry provided 113,736 meals to 9,534 individuals, ensuring families had access to essential nourishment. We proudly served over 3,700 Veterans, offering vital support, including furniture and household goods for 81 veterans transitioning out of homelessness.

We also set a new record, bringing joy to 707 children with Christmas gifts—often their only present—and equipping 300 children with much-needed school supplies.

As we move into 2025, the need continues to grow. With reductions in government programs, Second Mile Outreach is seeing more families and individuals seeking support than ever before. We're committed to stepping up and making a difference where it matters most.

Join us in our mission—because every meal, every gift, and every helping hand changes lives.

Thanks to Our Generous Sponsors!

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49th Teeter-Totter Marathon

By Middleburg Heights Community UCC

49th Teeter-Totter Marathon

To benefit Second Mile Outreach & The Gathering Place

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Team Members