It is the coming together of hearts, minds and courage for volunteers and families in Butler County as avid runners and walkers lace up their shoes for the annual Park Run for PARACHUTE 9 a.m. Saturday, October 12 at Voice of America Park, 7850 VOA Park Drive, West Chester OH 45069. Proceeds benefit PARACHUTE Butler County CASA.
This is the agency’s 25th year when it was founded by Judge Niehaus and the Hamilton Junior Women's League. Since then, 1,600 Butler County children have been placed in safe, permanent homes with the help of 434 trained concerned community members called CASAs (Court Appointed Special Advocates).
Presently there are 80 CASA volunteers speaking up for 200 children in the court system but there are more than 500 children that are waiting because of abusive, neglect or abandonment situations and could benefit from a caring CASA volunteer.
This event helps provide the resources necessary to recruit train and supervise more community members as CASA volunteers and help more vulnerable children.
“We like to call it fitness and fun with a purpose,” explained Chris Schultz, Executive Director for PARACHUTE. “This event is a fun way to get together with volunteers, meet new people and show the community the importance of our mission – standing up for local abused children. People can learn about becoming a CASA volunteer as well as show their support and love for children just by running or walking in the event. It really is a win-win for all involved and is a really fun day.”
The run features a fairly flat course around a scenic lake, chip timing, numerous awards, prizes, music, ample parking and food. There are also special prizes for CASA volunteers, teams and individuals raising pledges.
The cost to participate is $25 for early registration, due by Friday, Oct. 4 and $15 for children ages 14 and under. This includes a wicking T-shirt and park entry fee for Saturday. Registration the day of event is $28. Mail in and online registration for the event is available.
Visit www.parachutecasa.org/news for more information or call (513) 867-5010.
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