Representatives for Dr. Goodall’s House share information for community as organization prepares for annual fundraiser
Jennifer Bleeker, outreach director for Dr. Goodall’s House and Virginia’s House, along with volunteer Edilma Rangel, were set up at a table on Friday, March 17, in the First National Bank lobby on Friday, giving out information on what services the organization provides to the community and for area children.
Dr. Goodall’s House in Breckenridge and Virginia’s House in Graham comprise a non-profit organization with a mission to meet the needs of abused, neglected and traumatized children through programs of prevention, advocacy and support. All of their services are free.
Members of the Dr. Goodall’s House/Virginia’s House will be visiting different locations once a month to share information about the services offered. Bleeker said the organization is in need of male role models and volunteers.
Next month, the organization will host the 18th annual Run for the Children fundraiser in Graham to benefit both Dr. Goodall’s House and Virginia’s House.
The event includes 10K, 5K and 1K races and will be held on Saturday, April 22, on the Square in Graham. The Start/Finish line will be at intersection of Third and Oak Streets. The 1K Fun Run course will circle around the inside of the Square.
The 10K and 5K courses are timed and are USFTA certified. Trophies will be awarded to First, Second and Third place overall male and female winners in the 10K and 5K. Medals will be awarded to male and female First, Second and Third place winners in all age divisions. Ribbons will be given to all children in the 1K. Age divisions are 9 & under, 10-14, 15-18, 19-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64 and 65 and over. The awards ceremonies will begin right after the 1K is completed.
Registration fees prior to race day: 1K will be $20, 5K will be $30 and the 10K will be $35. Registrations fees on the day of the race: 1K will be $25, 5K will be $35 and 10K will be $40. Online registration and downloadable paper registration are available at http://runforthechildrentx.org/registration.
Registration and packet pick-up will be at Virginia’s House, 729 Elm St. in Graham, on Thursday, April 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. On race day, Saturday, April 22, registration opens at 6:30 a.m.
The opening ceremony will begin at 7:30 a.m. Start times will be 10K 7:45 a.m.; 5K 7:50 a.m.; and 1K Fun Run 9:15 a.m.
Post-run refreshments and goodie bags will be provided for participants.
The organization is partnering with the 10th annual Fun in the Sun-Remembering Wyatt Dale Water Safety Awareness, which will be held at Fireman’s Park in Graham on April 22.
For more information about the Run, call Dora Cawley at 940-550-8963; visit the website http://runforthechildrentx.org/about-us; or send an email to info@runforthechildrentx.org.
The Run for the Children takes place during April in order to coincide with Child Abuse Awareness Month. Proceeds go to Virginia’s House and Dr. Goodall’s House-A Family Resource Center to help children who are victims of abuse and/or neglect, and their non-offending family members. Virginia’s House provides service to Young County, and Dr. Goodall’s House provides services for Stephens County and the CASA program in Throckmorton County. For more information visit, https://www.virginiashousetx.org/.
Cutline, top photo: Jennifer Bleeker and Edilma Rangel with Dr. Goodall’s House/Virginia’s House sit at an information table in the lobby of First National Bank on Friday, March 17. They will be visiting different locations each month to provide information to the community. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
