MEMBER EVENT: CASA Fun Run

Description

We are excited to announce that our Second Annual CASA Fun Run will take place on Saturday, June 21st, at deKoevend Park. The race starts at 9 AM and will be followed by breakfast, courtesy of Big Stuff Food Truck! All attendees will get a t-shirt, will have the chance to participate in games, listen to live music, and spend some time in the summer sun!

Inspired by our longtime CASA Volunteer, Shelly, we are excited to host this event as an opportunity for our community to find strength in movement, to cheer each other on, and most importantly, to feel a sense of accomplishment and pride. Join us in celebrating our youth and all that they can achieve!

The Fun Run route is a 1.2 mile loop. Please feel free to walk or run! Adult tickets are $20, and youth tickets are $15. Tickets include a Fun Run t-shirt and breakfast. $500 sponsorship opportunities are available as well. Please reach out to Georgia Reiss at georgia_reiss@adv4children.org with questions, or please click here to register. 

Learn more about Shelly's story below:

Typically, CASA Volunteers walk alongside children and youth. However, Shelly, longtime CASA Volunteer, found that it was helpful to run alongside the youth she supported.

After Shelly's three assigned CASA children faced many hardships, moved foster placements several times, and received concerning reports at school, Shelly decided to get creative in finding the kids an outlet for their big feelings. 

She found a virtual 5k to sign the children up for. She purchased fitness trackers and identified a park where they could practice running during visits. When the children completed their 5k, Shelly noticed a significant difference in the way they carried themselves. They were awarded medals and wore them with pride. 

“It was the first time since I had known them that they were proud of themselves,” said Shelly. “They didn’t finish the race because someone told them they had to. Their little legs took them to the finish line. It was such a positive outlet for their energy,” she said.

Shelly has stayed by the children’s side throughout numerous placement and school changes. With each move, the kids make sure to bring their medals.