Be The Light 5k 2021
On your mark, get set, GO! With music playing in the background and people cheering along the start line, runners and walkers take off for the 2nd annual Be the Light 5k. On September 18th at 7 pm, runners and walkers from all over the country came together to fight mental health stigma and make an impact for those in Michigan struggling with Mental Health.
The weekend started with packet pick up on Friday, with music playing and participants swinging by to pick up their packets. Beacon of Hope staff, interns, participants, and volunteers had so much fun and brought so much energy. We even had one guy come by to buy a shirt for $40 just to help to cause.
Saturday was the big event. Volunteers and staff started setting up at 4 pm. The remainder of the participants picked up their packets at 5 pm. Over the next 2 hours, local neighbors joined the participants for music and tacos from Mi Favorita. The atmosphere was second to none. The course was marked and local law enforcement closed the road. Runners and walkers were dressed in glow sticks, tutus, and face paint. One of our favorite runners was passing out affirmations to other runners to help fight the stigma. Everyone was there doing their part in making the waves of change for folks struggling with mental health illnesses.
Beacon of Hope set out to raise over $14,000 with the event. We ended up raising over $23,000, which is over 700 at no cost counseling sessions! We had 178 runners and 10 corporate sponsorships. Our Gold Sponsors were Koops, Gerrits Appliance and LG, and Inontime. Our Silver Sponsors were Crown Motor, Kevin Alderink, and Zion Lutheran Church. Our Bronze Sponsors were Engedi Salon, Seppo Chiropractic, and Peau De Loup.
This was such an amazing fundraiser. The energy everyone brought to the race was so special. God has blessed us in so many ways and he provided a safe, fun, and successful 2nd annual 5k. We don’t know about you, but we can’t wait until next year! Wanna beat your time… you better start training!
This blog was written by Olivia Campbell, LPC.
