Bridge the Gap to Health race raises more than $50,000 for Catholic Charities’ MedAssist program

QUINCY – After last year’s race went virtual due to COVID-19 concerns, the Bridge the Gap to Health Race was back in-person in 2021 and raised a total of $50,418.14 for the Quincy Catholic Charities’ MedAssist program, which helps local patients afford their prescription medications.

Race organizers with Quincy Medical Group presented a check on July 26 to representatives from Quincy Catholic Charities. The event has raised more than $930,000 in 21 years for MedAssist, which has been used to access nearly 59,000 prescriptions.

“For 21 years, Bridge the Gap has provided an opportunity to gather together in the spirit of helping others,” said QMG Director of Community Relations Morgan Parker. “After a year of a virtual-only race, it was so special to be together again to help those who rely on the MedAssist program for their lifesaving prescriptions.”

“Quincy Catholic Charities is humbled to accept the proceeds from the Bridge the Gap to Health Race for the 21st year,” Quincy Catholic Charities Area Director Jackie Bruns said in a prepared statement. “Following a tough fundraising year due to COVID, we are elated to receive such a large amount! What a blessing this race is to Quincy Catholic Charities and to each and every client who has received assistance through the MedAssist Program. We are so grateful to Quincy Medical Group, all the major sponsors, the race participants, and the dedicated volunteers for ‘bridging the gap’ for so many people in our community.”

Race participants also were asked this year to bring a canned food item. Organizers collected 417 pounds of food and donated it to five local food pantries.

“Food insecurity is a growing unmet need in our community. We were so grateful for all those who supported us in assisting our local food pantries in their mission to help,” Parker said.

Proceeds from the event come from a combination of registration fees, donations, and sponsors. Sponsors of this year’s race were Adams County Medical Society Alliance, Bank of Springfield, Blessing Health System, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Dot Foods, Gardner Denver, Herald-Whig, Hy-Vee, Kohl’s Wholesale, Memorial Hospital, Mercantile Bank, Niemann Foods, Quincy Recycle, Quincy University, Refreshment Services Pepsi, Republic Services, Selby’s Implement, SIU Family Medicine Center, State Street Bank, Sunbelt Rentals, Townsquare Media (Y101 & KICK-FM), WGEM, and Winters Insurance.