Fund-raiser for Coatesville Youth Initiative a prelude to city’s parade
The Third Annual Festive 5K Run or One-Mile Fun Walk is expected to draw more than 500 participants to Coatesville.
Fast becoming a holiday tradition for Coatesville and beyond, the Brandywine Health Foundation’s Third Annual Festive 5K Run or One-Mile Fun Walk is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 1.
Participants will have an opportunity to get some exercise for a worthy cause and create an invigorating prelude to the city’s Christmas parade, which kicks off at 10 a.m.
Organizers said the first two years of the event, which raises awareness and revenue for the Coatesville Youth Initiative, drew more than 500 hundred participants and volunteers to the city.
Launched by the Brandywine Health Foundation in 2010, the Coatesville Youth Initiative fosters collaboration among community residents, youth, area businesses, nonprofit and county agencies, the Coatesville Area School District and other educational entities to reduce the young people’s risk factors and help them reach their full potential.
“We hope to see an increase in the amount of individual and team participants this year by offering free registration to youth and walkers as well as offering an exciting way to raise money and give back to the community,” said Dave Lapp, the committee chair.
The event’s amenities include a USA Track & Field certified course; on-course support; cash prizes to overall winners; medals to age group winners; long sleeve t-shirts to the first 300 registered 5K participants; gifts for all participants and much more, organizers said.
Registration is free (but required) for all walkers and for runners under 18. Also, every registered participant receives a personalized online fund-raising page to help raise additional funds for the Coatesville Youth Initiative. Team participation is encouraged and as an added bonus, 10 percent of the money any non-profit group or school team raises will be donated back to that organization or school PTO.
To register on-line, visit www.Festive5k.com or contact Jill Whitcomb, director of special events at 610-380-9080, ext.103. Registration is $20 in advance (before Nov. 28); $25, day of the race. Race-day registration begins at 8 a.m. at Scott Middle School, 800 Olive St., Coatesville, and the race starts at 9 a.m. After the Run/Walk, participants will enjoy the post-race festivities, including food, fun, music and the awards ceremony back at Scott Middle School.
Organizers expressed gratitude to key sponsors, including Jennifer and Bob McNeil on behalf of the Chester County Food Bank, Mrs. J. Maxwell Moran, CTDI, Gateway Medical Associates, MacElree Harvey Ltd., Bulldog Construction Co., Inc. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
Since its founding in 2001, the Brandywine Health Foundation has provided over $10.2 million in grants to services and programs to improve health and encourage youth development in the Greater Coatesville Area. To learn more about the Brandywine Health Foundation, the Brandywine Health & Housing Center, or the Coatesville Youth Initiative, visit www.brandywinefoundation.org or call 610-380-9080, ext. 102, to speak with Dana Heiman, vice president of development and communications.
