Two non-profit organizations in Searcy are hosting fundraising races this month.
The Stride to Prevent Suicide, an event held by the Dr. Robert Elliott Foundation, will be at Spring Park April 4 at 8 a.m., with a 5K run and a 1-mile fun run. Hot dogs will be provided following the race.
According to a press release from the organization, the event will conclude with a butterfly release to honor those lost to suicide. Butterflies will be available for purchase as part of the fundraiser for those who wish to honor a loved one or support the cause. The organization will also offer depression screenings. This is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year. In previous years, they have had around 300 runners and walkers according to Executive Director Kimberly Brackins.
“We would like people to come out and celebrate life,” Brackins said. “There will be food and music. We encourage students to bring their families if they are in town to come and be a part of this together.”
Those interested in joining the run can register via the organization’s Facebook page or sign up at the Spring Park Pavilion before 8 a.m. on the day of the run. The cost is $25 for adults and $15 for children.
The organization’s purpose is educating the public about suicide prevention and the resources available. Some of their projects include seminars to raise awareness about depression and free depression screenings at various events throughout the year. They also sponsor a monthly support group for adults who have lost a loved one to suicide.
White County Child Safety Center will host the third annual Light Up the Streets Glo Run at sundown on April 18 at the Court House Square in Downtown Searcy. There will be a 5K run and a 1-mile run for both adults and children. The event will include food, music and a bouncy house for kids. All participants are encouraged to dress up in glow gear, which will also be available for purchase at the event.
The organization’s director, Robin Connell, said this event raised $20,000 last year. Since they are a non-profit, the organization relies on proceeds from fundraisers like this as well as the charity of the community and grants to continue offering their services.
All proceeds from this event go directly to help the 250 children that the center serves who are victims involved in active investigations of abuse. The center provides interviews and medical exams to victims of abuse from all over White County.
To sign up, visit the organization’s website, www.whitecountycsc.com. The cost is $20 for kids, $30 for adults and $25 for Harding students.
