Page 37 - Inspire Health July/August 2016
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lives of these young kids, I think that’s Waldron says that’s partly because CST READY, SET, GO!
really great.” Brands and CrossAmerica take care of all
the details, making it easier — and more The 5K race will begin at 8:30 a.m.
If last year’s numbers are any gauge, enjoyable — for the run’s beneficiaries on Saturday, July 30. Participants can
that impact is substantial: Of the $1.4 to participate. “Big Brothers/ Big Sisters pick up their packet from 11 a.m. to
million raised nationally in 2015, $45,000 and the other charities can just come and 6 p.m. on Friday, July 29 or on race
went to the Lehigh Valley BBBS, says talk about and promote their charities to day starting at 7 a.m. at Goodman
Susan Bartels, chief executive officer of get more people involved,” he says. “We Campus. The course is stroller-
Big Brothers Big Sisters Lehigh Valley. worry about the details.” friendly. No dogs are allowed.
Bartels says the nonprofit group, which So far, he says, response this year has All participants will receive a
serves 400 children in the region, matches been strong. “We actually have almost branded T-shirt, backpack, green
an adult mentor, or “Big,” to serve as a 800 people signed up right now. We’re finisher ribbon and entrance to the
positive role model for a child, or “Little.” leading in the country in participants — Country Fair after-party. For timed
even over Denver, and Denver’s run runners, prizes will be awarded to the
“We’re basically the premiere [July 9] is before ours!” fastest finishers in several categories.
mentoring organization; we provide To register, go to cornerstorerun.com
one-to-one mentoring for children facing The Lehigh Valley’s Country Run has and click on “Lehigh Valley.”
adversity … It costs over $1,200, per also become the envy of other organizers.
match per year, so [the $45,000 gave] us “The Country Run organizing team told Registration costs:
over 40 matches,” she says. “We’re so us we have one of the prettiest venues
grateful for this.” with real cornfields and mountains in the Individual — $10
background,” Waldron says. “The Texans
Like BBBS, the Boys & Girls Club were amazed at how green everything is. Children under 12 — free
seeks to provide “positive activities and And we have the best tractor zone! One
encouragement … by reaching children of the coordinators told, me ‘we’re trying Optional chip timing — $5
at an early age” and giving them an to duplicate what you do.’ ”
alternative to negative influences such as Country Fair only — $5
drugs, crime and gangs. CACLV’s youth For Waldron, though, the best thing about
programs have a similar mission. the run is the positive impact it can have on
others’ lives. “I love when you can get people
“We’re happy that we can be involved involved in community events and make
in an event like this and do good,” something happen. … And with this race,
Waldron says. “It’s always amazing to hear they’re doing good, but also having fun.”
the stories from mentors. A lot of them
are surprised at how much their own lives
have changed.”
“That’s the hidden surprise,” says
Bartels. “People come in thinking, ‘Oh,
I’m gonna change the life of a child, but
what happens is the life of the volunteer
is also changed.”
The country-themed run will be
accented with tractors, hay bales and
giant inflatables including cows and pigs.
Race participants usually don country-
themed attire, including overalls, farm
animal costumes, cowboy hats, boots,
western shirts and more.
Afterward, Waldron says, runners and
nonrunners alike can enjoy a country fair
with food, live music, carnival games, face
painting, a lot of free sponsor swag and
even a beer garden.
“I’ve been telling everyone … I’ve
been doing nonprofit work for over 20
years, and this was the most fun I’ve ever
had at a special event — ever, hands
down!” says Bartels.
really great.” Brands and CrossAmerica take care of all
the details, making it easier — and more The 5K race will begin at 8:30 a.m.
If last year’s numbers are any gauge, enjoyable — for the run’s beneficiaries on Saturday, July 30. Participants can
that impact is substantial: Of the $1.4 to participate. “Big Brothers/ Big Sisters pick up their packet from 11 a.m. to
million raised nationally in 2015, $45,000 and the other charities can just come and 6 p.m. on Friday, July 29 or on race
went to the Lehigh Valley BBBS, says talk about and promote their charities to day starting at 7 a.m. at Goodman
Susan Bartels, chief executive officer of get more people involved,” he says. “We Campus. The course is stroller-
Big Brothers Big Sisters Lehigh Valley. worry about the details.” friendly. No dogs are allowed.
Bartels says the nonprofit group, which So far, he says, response this year has All participants will receive a
serves 400 children in the region, matches been strong. “We actually have almost branded T-shirt, backpack, green
an adult mentor, or “Big,” to serve as a 800 people signed up right now. We’re finisher ribbon and entrance to the
positive role model for a child, or “Little.” leading in the country in participants — Country Fair after-party. For timed
even over Denver, and Denver’s run runners, prizes will be awarded to the
“We’re basically the premiere [July 9] is before ours!” fastest finishers in several categories.
mentoring organization; we provide To register, go to cornerstorerun.com
one-to-one mentoring for children facing The Lehigh Valley’s Country Run has and click on “Lehigh Valley.”
adversity … It costs over $1,200, per also become the envy of other organizers.
match per year, so [the $45,000 gave] us “The Country Run organizing team told Registration costs:
over 40 matches,” she says. “We’re so us we have one of the prettiest venues
grateful for this.” with real cornfields and mountains in the Individual — $10
background,” Waldron says. “The Texans
Like BBBS, the Boys & Girls Club were amazed at how green everything is. Children under 12 — free
seeks to provide “positive activities and And we have the best tractor zone! One
encouragement … by reaching children of the coordinators told, me ‘we’re trying Optional chip timing — $5
at an early age” and giving them an to duplicate what you do.’ ”
alternative to negative influences such as Country Fair only — $5
drugs, crime and gangs. CACLV’s youth For Waldron, though, the best thing about
programs have a similar mission. the run is the positive impact it can have on
others’ lives. “I love when you can get people
“We’re happy that we can be involved involved in community events and make
in an event like this and do good,” something happen. … And with this race,
Waldron says. “It’s always amazing to hear they’re doing good, but also having fun.”
the stories from mentors. A lot of them
are surprised at how much their own lives
have changed.”
“That’s the hidden surprise,” says
Bartels. “People come in thinking, ‘Oh,
I’m gonna change the life of a child, but
what happens is the life of the volunteer
is also changed.”
The country-themed run will be
accented with tractors, hay bales and
giant inflatables including cows and pigs.
Race participants usually don country-
themed attire, including overalls, farm
animal costumes, cowboy hats, boots,
western shirts and more.
Afterward, Waldron says, runners and
nonrunners alike can enjoy a country fair
with food, live music, carnival games, face
painting, a lot of free sponsor swag and
even a beer garden.
“I’ve been telling everyone … I’ve
been doing nonprofit work for over 20
years, and this was the most fun I’ve ever
had at a special event — ever, hands
down!” says Bartels.
