Run For It 2024: Racing Toward Community Impact, One Step at a Time
On September 27, 2024, the 17th Annual Run For It event in Davis brought together a vibrant community of over 1,400 participants, both virtual and in-person, uniting in a powerful fundraising effort that amassed an impressive $332,000 for 79 diverse charitable and civic organizations within the region served by the Foundation. This year's participants included teams from various local entities, such as the Philippi Public Library, which raised a commendable $16,471, and the Aurora Middle School Cross-Country team, who garnered $3,135 for their cause. Each participant laced up their running shoes not just for the thrill of competition but for the vital mission of advocating for their respective causes.
However, the spirit of running for a cause extends well beyond the excitement of race day. Engaging in Run For It signifies the commitment that begins long before the starting gun fires in September. Participants start their journey as early as April, undertaking the crucial tasks of recruiting team members, securing sponsorships, and undertaking the challenging yet rewarding process of fundraising. In essence, the culmination of their efforts during the race serves as a final sprint in a year-long marathon of dedication to bringing awareness and support to their causes.
David Cooper, the CEO of the Tucker Community Foundation, paid tribute to this year’s team captains, acknowledging their instrumental role in orchestrating the event’s success. “The team captains are the unsung heroes of this event," Cooper stated. “Their dedication and hard work extend far beyond merely soliciting financial support; they actively engage with their communities for six months, raising awareness for their organizations, rallying team members, and driving fundraising efforts that make a real difference.”
In addition to fundraising, the Foundation celebrated participants through various awards recognizing exceptional achievements in different categories, including 5k race winners, team spirit, best team captain, and the prestigious Courage Award. Walkers completing the 2k course also had opportunities to win awards through a series of fun course challenges and activities, fostering a spirit of camaraderie among participants. Partner organizations, such as the Bernard McDonough Foundation in Parkersburg, West Virginia, alongside county commissions within the Foundation’s service area, contributed additional funds designated for awards, culminating in a competitive atmosphere where teams vied for a total of $100,000 in awards in 2024.
The Foundation ensured that all awards and funds raised were distributed to the teams without any stipulations, providing them with the freedom to use the funds in ways that best serve their organizational needs. After the race, teams returned to their communities ready to translate their hard-earned money into actionable programs, focused on sowing seeds of development and goodwill where they are needed most.
The Philippi Public Library, a faithful participant in the Run For It initiative for over a decade, has strategically utilized the funds to address both immediate operational needs and long-term developmental goals. Judy Larry, the library director, highlighted her intention to save a significant portion of the funds raised for a future project aimed at building a large pavilion intended as an outdoor classroom and multifunctional space. However, she noted that some of the funds must also be allocated to cover day-to-day expenses such as overhead costs.
“The historic library building, which is over 100 years old, requires ongoing maintenance and preservation that would be unmanageable without the efforts of Run For It,” Larry explained. While many grants and donations are often earmarked for specific purposes like book acquisitions or educational programs, the unrestricted nature of the Run For It funds has allowed the library to address more practical needs, such as necessary repairs to the roof and gutters, ensuring the building remains operational and safe for the community.
“People truly love our library and often express admiration for its architecture and history. It stands as a cherished piece of Philippi's heritage and serves as a vibrant community hub,” she emphasized, underlining the pivotal role Run For It contributions have played in preserving this invaluable resource.
Like many other nonprofits, the library's fundraising efforts don’t stop with the race's completion. Larry shared that planning and preparations for the next Run For It event begin almost immediately after the current cycle concludes. Service, after all, has no finish line but is marked by countless successful milestones along the journey, embodying the unwavering spirit of community engagement and advocacy that defines the Run For It initiative.
