Hot Chocolate Run: Students join local community in raising money for domestic violence relief

On Sunday, December 3, at 7:00 a.m., thousands of people gathered in Northampton for the 20th Annual Hot Chocolate Run for Safe Passage in efforts to push for an end to domestic violence and to show support for victims who have experienced it.

The Hot Chocolate Run started at Hampton Avenue and Old Street in Northampton, where there were more than 4,500 participants. Included in all those participants was senior Thea Binzen. “I’ve heard about it over the years, about the free mugs and hot chocolate, I thought it could be fun,” she said. “I like running to an extent, and I thought it would be a good first experience in a charity race like this.”

Sage Fiander, also an ARHS senior, took part in the race for the first time. “I heard about it from my friends and I did it because I thought it would be fun. It’s also for a good cause,” said Fiander. 

The majority of the funds earned from the 5K race were donated to Safe Passage, a nonprofit organization that provides support to survivors of domestic violence. The money is then distributed to shelters, legal programs, and counseling services that support victims of domestic abuse, including therapy for children, as well as a 24-hour confidential and free hotline for crisis and emotional support. 

The participants thought it was critical that their donations could provide resources to individuals and children living with violence in their homes. “I [like that] charity affects and helps so many people in the world,” said Binzen. Fiander agreed. “I think this run will help an individual or a whole community in a good way because it’s all going to Safe Passage,” she said. 

According to Safe Passage’s website, participants were given hot chocolate and collectors’ mugs that were illustrated by a Northampton resident. There was also a long series of activities and community connections for those who did not want to participate in the race but still wanted to be present to cheer on the participants as they ran. 

Despite the rainy, cold, and slippery weather conditions, many of the participants and supporters continued in their run and persisted in raising the target amount of $800,000. “For me, I was starting to get sick, so there were times during the run when it was hard to keep it together and keep running. I did the “fun run,” which was lowkey and no pressure,” said Binzen.

Safe Passage has been running since 1977 and has helped many families attain safety, receive justice, and rebuild their lives away from domestic abuse. According to Safe Passage’s main website (Safe Passage Heals), the organization was originally called Necessities/Necessidades, which started during the second wave of the feminist movement with its mission to help women flee domestic violence. 

During the beginning of the organization, there was a lack of support shown since the issue of domestic violence was hidden. Along with the lack of support in early times, there was also a scarcity of shelters for women who were fleeing abuse. For this reason, Safe Passage decided to create an Annual Hot Chocolate Run so people could get together, with activities to do as a community. 

“Honestly, I didn’t know the history of the run, but when I was researching it, it drew me in more. There are also so many domestic violence cases out there, and I believe it’s important to raise awareness and support survivors,” said Binzen.

As a result of all of the participants, the 20th Annual Hot Chocolate Run raised $787,523. On the 20th Annual Hot Chocolate Run website, results showed that the mug was 98% filled, almost reaching its target of $800,000. 

“I didn’t have any specific goals, other than to raise money and awareness. It made me feel good afterwards because it was a good deed (and we got hot chocolate),” said Binzen. 

Fiander also expressed her thoughts on running the race. “I did it just for fun but I think that it raised a good amount of money so I was happy to hear that,” said Fiander.