The 5K run/walk helped bring in an estimated $3,500-$4,000 for the women’s shelter
On Oct. 27 Missouri Western hosted the second annual 5K Run/Walk with all proceeds going to the YWCA Shelter for abused and homeless women and children.
As of that Saturday, Rolling Hills Auto Plaza of St. Joseph estimated a donation to the YWCA of between $3,500 and $4,000. There were 78 runners who participated.
In recent years, the YWCA has seen an increase of individuals who need their services. The number of battered and homeless women has increased at the YWCA by 245 between 2001 and 2006.
The number of battered and homeless children has increased by 130. In 2006 the YWCA was sheltering 658 people.
Victim Services Director, Kim Carroll, explains that there are many needs that YWCA provides for that may not be obvious to the public.
“When somebody comes into the shelter we provide all their personal care items if they need them,” Carroll said. “We pay for birth certificates so they can get ID’s and they can get housing. We buy bus tickets if a woman or family comes to us and they need to get out of the area for safety reasons. We pay for bus tickets to go all over the country.”
Executive Director of the YWCA, Jean Brown, appreciates the support the community has shown.
“We just want to thank the sponsors and the runners,” Brown said. “The event helps raise the issue of domestic violence in the community and raises important dollars for the special needs of the residence.”
The owners of Rolling Hills Auto Plaza, Todd and Surah Hill, began the idea of the 5K race for the YWCA. They wanted to bring attention to the services the YWCA brings to the community.
“I used to live in St. Joseph and go to Western,” Mrs. Hill said. “I think it’s a beautiful campus and wanted to involve the university with the community.”
There were 14 baskets of items sponsored by area businesses for the silent auction.
The highest bidder for each item won. Performance Plus Rehabilitation Center and Boehringer Ingelheim gave cash donations. The YWCA volunteers assembled the baskets for the auction prizes. A total of 21 businesses gave of their time or resources to get the race off the ground.
The race began in front of Spratt Stadium and runners ran the length of Downs Drive twice. There was a pre-registration fee of $20 and an on-site fee of $25 for those who signed up that day.
Runners were given medals and trophies depending on where they placed in categories of gender and age. Each participant was given a bag consisting of a Griffon shirt, a pen and coupons for some of the businesses involved in this event. There were runners from age seven to age 78.
Cliff Hunter, 78, runs in a 5K race every Saturday in and around the Kansas City area. His wife, Margie, was impressed with the race at Western.
“The race was great,” Mrs. Hunter said. “It was small but powerful.”
Those wishing to donate to the YWCA can visit their web site or send the donation through mail. Those who donate $100 will receive a $50 tax deduction.
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