March 21 marked yet another successful year of Jewish participation in the Atlanta Community Food Bank's annual Hunger Walk. Close to 500 Jewish participants, including about 100 teens, walked together to represent Atlanta's Jewish community, raising more than $30,000.

Donations still are coming in, says Margo Dix Gold, Federation's community relations director, adding that although Hunger Walk is not planned by the Jewish community, it is a popular event for Jews. "It goes right to the whole concept of Tikkun Olam, Jewish values, helping to care for those in need," she says. "Hunger is an easy thing to understand – it knows no boundaries, no color, no faith."

This year, the walk's 20th anniversary, donors were also able to send funds through Federation's website, www.shalomatlanta.org, says Gold. "We knew that particularly for the young leadership, doing things online is part of their lifestyle, so we wanted to give them that opportunity," she explains, adding that more than $3,000 came in online. Hunger Walk chairs at each synagogue and Jewish organization also had pre-stamped envelopes to give to potential walkers and donors, which added convenience, Gold says.

Ahavath Achim Synagogue's contingent, led by Sally Kaplan, set a record for most funds raised at more than $16,000. Gold cites other notable participants including chair Dan Appelrouth, who continues to raise funds year-round for the Food Bank; Greenfield Hebrew Academy Brownie Troop 419; and Davis Academy third graders, who baked and sold hamentaschen to support the Hunger Walk. Federation's Young Leadership Council (YLC) this year also had its own sign-in tent, and held a hunger awareness program at the Shearith Israel Shelter before the walk.

The Hunger Walk is an opportunity for Atlanta Jews to come together for one cause, Gold says. "All they have to do is show up with their hearts and their contributions."