2022 Challenge gets people moving and doing good

Jon Ornee’s idea to help people greet 2022 by exercising while helping their neighbors in need paid off. The 20:22 for 2022 Challenge on New Year’s Day raised $13,768 for Community Action House.

The online event challenged residents to get outside and move — and get engaged in their community — as a kickoff to 2022. 

On New Year’s Day, more than 500 people from across the community celebrated 2022 by getting active for at least 20 minutes and 22 seconds, then sharing a photo with the hashtag #CAH2022 on social media. Ornee and his business, At Home Realty, and his corporate sponsors recognized each participant with a $20.22 gift supporting the service programs at Community Action House (CAH). 

Corporate sponsors included People IT, PADNOS, Holland Doctors of Audiology, and Back to Health Chiropractic.

“Thanks to everybody who participated. We raised a bunch of money for Community Action House and had a ton of fun,” says Ornee, who announced the fundraiser’s success in his Facebook video. 

Expecting high-impact year

The funds will support CAH programs as the nonprofit expects its highest impact year yet, says Executive Director Scott Rumpsa.

 “We are anticipating our largest year of service and impact yet following the opening of our new Food Club & Opportunity Hub,” says Rumpsa. “Building a large, excited, and fully engaged community helps power our work, and this is a great opportunity to offer so many ways to get outside and get engaged in serving our community in the new year.”

Community Action House has served more than 8,000 individuals in the past year, including over 700 low-income families who are now receiving regular access to healthy food through the new Food Club & Opportunity Hub.

Teamwork pays off

This is the second year that Community Action House and Ornee have teamed up on the fundraiser.

Ornee, a Holland entrepreneur,  health coach, world-record holder and Realtor, came up with the idea for the fundraiser. Last year, he donated $20.21 to Community Action House for anyone who ran, walked, biked or swam for 20 minutes and 21 seconds on New Year’s Day and tagged him on social media. 

The goal was to have 100 people participate and raise $2,021. More than 400 Lakeshore community members participated in that inaugural 20:21 for 2021 Challenge. 

“20:22 for 2022 combines three things that I’m passionate about: moving your body, building community and giving back,” Ornee says. “Many New Years’ resolutions are aimed at being the best you. My goal for 20:22 for 2022 is starting the year with a focus on being the best us by moving our bodies, encouraging others, and raising money to support an awesome organization that is doing amazing work in our community.”