Join the race to reach all of Union County’s foster youth
Lace up your sneakers and take simple but crucial steps to change the life of an abused, neglected or abandoned Union County child placed in foster care: On Sunday, May 7, 2017, CASA of Union County will host its third annual Foster the Dream 5k Run and 1 Mile Walk at Oak Ridge Park in Clark to raise awareness of the need for community volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates, and to raise funds for expanded recruitment and training efforts.
The race course is USATF-certified and trophies are given to the first-place female and male finishers, as well as runners in the following brackets: 10 and under, 11-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40- 49, 50-59, and 60+. In addition, participants can try their luck at various raffles — tickets are $5 — and enjoy such post-race sustenance such as fruit, bagels and water. Whether a serious runner, a speed-walker or simply looking to stroll with friends and family — this race for a reason promises fun for all, and helps vulnerable youth right in your own community!
Life in foster care and the road to it is no walk in the park, but your walk or run in the park can change that. Two-thirds of Union County foster youth still need a CASA volunteer, and your participation brings CASA of Union County closer to remedying that by providing a committed advocate for every youth that needs one. Appointed to a case by a family judge, trained CASA volunteers serve foster youth by advocating in court and the community to ensure their needs are met and best interests remain priority. They are court-empowered to speak with the youth’s teachers, doctors, therapists, foster parents, caseworker, attorney and more, and then report findings to the judge.
Race check-in and packet pick-up begins 7:30 am race day; the 1 mile walk starts at 9 am and the 5k at 9:30 am. Award presentation and raffles begin at 10:30 am. Performance race shirts are guaranteed to all paid registrants through April 25. Registration is $25 to run and $20 to walk; $5 more after April 15. Children under 10 run or walk for free!
Ready? Set. Go register yourself, your family and your friends at www.fosterthedream.org, taking the first steps toward changing the life of an abused, neglected or abandoned child from Union County! Contact Jen Mutch, race chair and CASA board president, at (917) 453-5415 or jcdowntown@hotmail.com with questions.
