5k Benefit Raises Funds
Autism Supportive Center offers event
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Runners and walkers make their way up a ramp to cross the bridge connecting River Bend Park to Glendale Park during the West Virginia Autism Supportive Center's 'Light the Night' 5k Run and Walk.
ELKINS -- More than 60 competitors participated in the ninth annual West Virginia Autism Supportive Center's "Light the Night" 5k Run and Walk Friday.
Runners and walkers of all ages competed in the event, that took place at both River Bend Park and Glendale Park. Free t-shirts were distributed to all competitors and awards were handed out to the top three finishers in running and walking.
"We had a little over 60 people come out for the race this year," event organizer Denise Campbell told The Inter-Mountain. "That's more than we had last year and we appreciated everyone who came out for this year's event. The weather was wonderful and we had a really good turnout. Everyone seemed to have a great time."
Campbell said more than $3,000 was raised from the event. The money will be used to help fund the Summer Garden Program at the West Virginia Autism Supportive Center.
The Garden Program helps teach families and children how to raise a garden and grow other plants in the center's high tunnel greenhouse.
All of the vegetables grown through the program will be used as part of an "end of the summer dinner" celebration hosted by the center. Those participating in the program will also receive an award for their gardening
accomplishments.
"We still have several openings for children and families wanting to participate in our summer project," Campbell said. "We also have openings for anyone wanting to volunteer and help out in the greenhouse and garden."
Sponsors for the event included Advanced Hearing Solutions, Q&A Associates, Valentine Assisted Living, Davis & Elkins College, Davis Health Systems, Saddles and Smiles, K.T. Bright Accountant and Tax Services, Mindfully Aware, Mountainside ABA, DMC Maintenance, Johanna Biola MD, William Dalton MD, and Josette Batsenikos FNP BC.
"More people have contact with individuals with autism than most people think," Campbell said. "When you get to sit down and spend some time with people in the community, you find out that most people are affected by autism in one way or another. Whether it's a neighbor, a friend, an aunt or uncle, everyone knows someone with autism. We had a lot of those people participate in the 5k and they were appreciative that we keep doing this event each year."
The West Virginia Autism Supportive Center is located at 200 Weese Street Extension on the site of the old Darby School in Elkins. For more information about the center or the summer project, visit the center's Facebook page or call 304-614-4904.