Charity events take advantage of the great outdoors
The morning of May 3 will turn North Strabane Park into a sea of people of all ages walking for a common cause – the March of Dimes annual March for Babies. The event benefits the local chapter of the organization, and is the biggest fundraising event of the year. Pets are even welcome.
It’s just one example of the myriad ways to do two good things at once now that spring has sprung – active events like the March for Babies not only get you off of the couch and out of the house, but they raise much-needed funds for charity, too.
The Family Hospice Golf Outing is May 5 at Valley Brook Country Club. There’s the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Schenley Park on Mother’s Day. On May 19, the National Kidney Foundation hosts its annual golf outing at Valley Brook Country Club. Want to help cure arthritis? To do your part, sign up for the Arthritis Foundation’s Walk, May 31 at SouthSide Works. Peters Township Chamber of Commerce’s 25th Annual Golf Outing and Fundraiser Scramble event is June 2 at Rolling Hills Country Club. The Salvation Army’s Kettle Challenge Invitational takes place June 16 at St. Clair Country Club. Father’s Day brings with it the MAN UP Father’s Day 5K/10K Run/Walk at North Shore Riverfront Park to benefit the Obedia Cole Foundation and its mission for prostate cancer awareness and research.
Looking a little further ahead, the Whiskey Rebellion 5K in Canonsburg on the Fourth of July benefits the Canon-McMillan cross country team, and the Peters Township Chamber Chase 5K is October 18 – so if you aren’t in shape now, there’s plenty of time to train and prepare! And, most 5K runs have a walking component in the event that running just isn’t your thing.
On a smaller scale, bike runs are a popular way to raise funds for an individual’s medical care or for a family to rebuild after a house fire.
The beauty of these events is that they do not require an expensive ticket, a fancy dress, tuxedo, or even a babysitter, because they are family-friendly events. Parents can spend time with their children while teaching them to give back to the community and wonderful organizations. Isn’t that motivation enough to participate?