April 9, 2014. On Memorial Day, May 26, Hospitality House and Western Youth Network (WYN) will be teaming up to host a 5K Color Run/Walk to raise funds, awareness and support for families and youth in our community. The Color Run will begin at 5 p.m. at the Boone Greenway Trail at Clawson Burnley Park in Boone.
The color run is an event that showers runners in environmentally safe, cornstarch-based colored powder at certain locations along the trail. The main idea is to tie-dye each runner’s white event t-shirt by the end of the run. The event welcomes competitive runners, casual joggers, walkers, people with disabilities, families and all those who are willing to give back to their community. Sorry, no pets. A guide to the color run will be posted at www.HospHouse.org and will be included in the runner’s packet.
“We really wanted to bring a fun, unique event that all members of our community can enjoy,” said Brittany Johnson, AmeriCorps VISTA and project manager for Hospitality House. “A color run is for everyone, not just serious runners. It gives all members of our community a chance to come out and enjoy running or walking through clouds of colors while supporting a great cause.”
Participants can expect a free photo booth with fun props, face painting, music, water and fruit provided by EarthFare and free samples of frozen yogurt provided by Menchies in Boone. A “Fun Run” will be held at 6:30 p.m. for kids under 10 to run a lap on the dirt track through clouds of color. The cost is $5 and kids can sign up at the event with parental assistance.
Early registration is $25 for adults and $10 for kids under 12. Early registration runs April 11-May 2 and guarantees an event t-shirt. Participants can register online at www.HospHouse.org.
On-site registration will begin at 4 p.m. and t-shirts will be first come first serve. On-site registration will be $30 for adults and $15 for kids under 12. Cash, check and credit cards will be accepted.
Mail-in early registration slips can be found at EarthFare, The Rock Sports Bar and Grill, Peppers, Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Town Tavern in Blowing Rock, and 24/7 Gym at New Market Center. Those who pre-register can pick up their packets from May 19-21 from 1-5 p.m. at the Hospitality House located at 338 Brook Hollow Rd. in Boone.
Food donation bins for canned goods, boxed goods and dry goods like coffee, sugar, tea and bread will be located at the picnic shelters beside the start and finish of the race.
“We realized that especially this time of year many local businesses get asked constantly for donations,” said Faith Motter, director of development for Western Youth Network. “By teaming up together, we hope to lessen the strain on our local businesses who show us so much support.”
Motter and Johnson have been organizing this event together. All proceeds will be divided evenly between the two organizations and will support two different programs.
The Hospitality House serves those living in crisis, homelessness and poverty in the High Country. With the poverty rate increasing to 29 percent, making Watauga County the third highest in the state, their services are in great need. The 5K fundraiser will kick start the Benefit Boutique project which is not only an economic resource for the organization but will also serve as a job skills and financial literacy training program for clients it serves.
Western Youth Network reaches the youths of the High Country by providing after school programs, mentoring opportunities as well as evidence-based programs and practices to reduce and delay the onset of early substance abuse and use. The 5K fundraiser will support WYN’s Youth Mentoring Program. This program has been successfully operating in Watauga County since 1985 and Avery County since 2002. The mentoring program serves youth between the ages of 6-17 and encourages students to stay motivated and focused on their education, provides a positive way to spent free time and assists with daily challenges.
Both organizations have been serving the High Country community for almost 30 years.
The 5K Color Run is sponsored by Town Tavern in Blowing Rock and the Bistro Roca Antler Bar. Organizers are still welcoming sponsors. For more information, please contact Brittany Johnson at Brittany@hosphouse.org or Faith Motter at motterf@westernyouthnetwork.org.
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