Appalachian Hunger Games catch fire Saturday

May the odds be ever in your favor – in Boone.

The second annual Appalachian Hunger Games hit Appalachian State University’s Duck Pond Field Saturday, March 23, at 1:30 p.m.

Conceived and organized by the ASU resident assistants group and benefiting Hospitality House, The Appalachian Hunger Games uses the popularity of the book and film series to call attention to the growing number of people going hungry in the High Country.

“I am beyond excited that The Hunger Games are back again this year,” Hospitality House director of development Todd Carter said. “With a poverty rate of 26 percent and an average median income $22,000 below the living wage, we are working harder than ever to eradicate hunger, poverty and homelessness in the High Country. Our community kitchen now averages 12,000 meals per month, serving three meals a day, seven days a week to all who are hungry. We can use all the awareness and assistance that we can get.”

Last years’ inaugural event was deemed a success, with 400 food items donated. However, according to organizers, this year is shaping up to be at least three times larger, as more than 1,200 food items have already been collected.

Beginning at 1:30 p.m., there will be a parade and introduction of the tributes. Per the rules outlined in author Suzanne Collins’ popular book series (modified, of course, to avoid physical injury), 24 tributes were chosen in a reaping prior to spring break. To become eligible for the reaping, a tribute nominee had to donate five cans of food to receive one tribute ticket. The more cans donated, the more chances to be selected in the reaping. Spectators are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items with them to sponsor their favorite tribute.

For the games, each tribute will be equipped with a balloon and two flag football belts. The arena will contain a variety of markers, sharpies and shields. In order to “die,” a tribute’s balloon must be popped, belt flags removed and shirt marked on by any kind of marker. The last person standing wins.

This is the second community event this month, after the High Country Wedding Expo, to benefit the Hospitality House Feinstein Challenge. All food and funds collected at the Appalachian Hunger Games will count toward the Feinstein Challenge, raising Hospitality House totals and increasing the dollar percentage of the $1 Million Dollar Hunger Giveaway. Every can donated counts as $1 toward this partial match challenge.

For more about the Appalachian Hunger Games, check out the YouTube video at http://youtu.be/8oXOanZTcm4.

To contribute to the Feinstein Challenge or to learn more about Hospitality House, visit http://www.hospitalityhouseofboone.org, or call Todd Carter at (828) 264-1237, extension 107.