Fundraiser will support Art Department at Algonac High
By Barb Pert Templeton
If you’re hoping stay in shape as the holidays approach while supporting a good cause an event in Algonac next weekend could fill that bill.
The Artful Gobbler 5K Walk/Run Fundraiser is set for Saturday, Nov. 8 with check-int 11 a.m. and a noon start time at Algonac High School. This will take place along Algonac High Schools country route and track with proceeds benefiting the Art Department at Algonac High School. Pre-registration is $25 and all pre-registered includes race entry, race bib and a t-shirt. (T-shirts are guaranteed to the first 100 pre-registered participants.)
There will be student arts and crafts for purchase, a bake sale and concessions on site.
Henry’s Club President Jenniger Ebert said the club was founded by a group of friends in Algonac that wanted to help their community flourish. The mission of Helping Everyone Needing Resources Yearlong (aka HENRY) was embraced and Henry’s Club was named.
Blue Water Healthy Living caught up with Ebert via email to find out more about the upcoming event.
Blue Water Healthy Living: How did this event first come about and why a run/walk?
Jennifer Ebert, president of Henry’s Club: Last December Henry’s Club hosted their very first 5K to benefit JP Babcock. JP is a wonderful little boy with a fighting spirit, who was born with a rare genetic disorder called CTNNB1.
The first one-hundred, pre-registered racers will receive a Race T-Shirt, designed by Kaylie Cedar (9th Grader, Algonac High School).
After speaking to JP’s Mom, Stephanie Babcock (Social Worker, Algonac Community School District), about his medical journey, Christy Worley (Secretary, Henry’s Club) brought the idea to the Club to host a fundraiser to benefit JP. Members brainstormed various ideas and landed on a “PJ 5K for JP” where runners were encouraged to wear their favorite pajamas to race in.
BWHL: What was the debut of the event like – Popular? Good weather?
Ebert: The debut was strongly supported by local businesses, the community, and JP’s Family. It was a sunny, but chilly day, perfect for a 5K.
BWHL: How many participants did the event have last year?
Ebert: We had 171 registered runners for the event.
BWHL: How much money was the club able to raise last year and who was the beneficiary?
Ebert: Henry’s Club raised over $9000 for JP’s Journey and the CTNNB1 Foundation.
BWHL: Can you share a little about where the race course takes the participants? (Just on school grounds or thru the city or?)
Ebert: The 5K Race is held at Algonac High School where runners follow the Cross Country Route/Track.
Pre-registration for the 5K Walk/Run is $25 and all pre-registrations includes race entry, race bib and a t-shirt. T-shirts are guaranteed to the first 100 pre-registered participants.
BWHL: Do people dress-up in costumes for this event? If so, what might they dress as?
Ebert: This year’s theme is the Artful Gobbler. The first one-hundred, pre-registered racers will receive a Race T-Shirt, designed by Kaylie Cedar (9th Grader, Algonac High School). Runners are encouraged to wear this t-shirt at the event.
BWHL: How did organizers decide this year’s funds would support the art program at Algonac High School? Are the funds for something in particular like supplies or?
Ebert: We often hear teachers purchase supplies for their classrooms out-of-pocket, so when Amy Amiels (Treasurer, Henry’s Club) discovered that this was the case in the art department, she just knew in her heart this was where Henry’s Club needed to focus this year’s proceeds. The Club unanimously voted to support the department through the Artful Gobbler 5K/Fun Run.
Other points of interest:
· Contact Henry’s Club via their Facebook Page or by email at henrysclubalgonac@gmail.com for membership information.
· To register: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Algonac/TheArtfulGobbler5KFundraiserPresentedByHenrySClub
· For the event: Note that the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Male and Female Finishers in the 5K Run will receive medals (featuring Kaylie’s Artful Gobbler Design) in the following age categories: 10 and Under – 11 to 17 – 18 and Older
· This year’s event will also include an Arts and Crafts Sale featuring items designed by Algonac Schools Art Department Students and is open to the entire community. All proceeds will benefit the department.
