Sponsor a runner

It is now possible to sponsor a runner for $20.00. The nicknames for the women participants are on the KSDS website so we are hoping that individuals in the community will decide to sponsor the runners. The race date is getting close, and we're working hard to reach our goal. Norma and Carol will be on KSNT early news show this Friday morning about 6:20 to talk about the upcoming race.

Topeka Capital Journal

We were so excited to see the article about Running Free in the Topeka Capital Journal today. Phil Anderson did a wonderful job of presenting the importance of the running club in the words of the members. Thank you to Phil. We are continuing to look for ways to increase the community's awareness of the run in order to reach our goal of $10,000 for KSDS.

In their own words

We have asked the women in the running club to put in their own words what running means to them. The responses have been so heartfelt. One women wrote "I am amazed that we all have come so far and accomplished so much by doing something so simple, yet powerful. It brings us together, yet gives us each an individual strength that we can take with us always." We, the volunteers, are working on ways to bring these powerful messages out into the community. We so appreciate the Topeka Capital Journal, WIBW, the Kansas Star, and KSNT for their support. We are looking forward to presenting our message to the Brewster Place Retirement Community and the Downtown Rotary Club.

A little publicity

We will be on the Ralph Hipp show on WIBW this Thursday, March 12 at 4:00 to talk about the upcoming race. Ann Byington, who has a service dog from KSDS will be on the show as well. We are hoping that this will expose lots of folks to our cause and inspire them to donate. We will also be doing an interview with the Topeka Capital Journal out at the Topeka Correctional Facility on Thursday as well. Busy day! We are so very grateful to the news media for allowing us to share our story as we strive to reach our goal of raising $10,000.

facebook

I hope all my facebook friends will check out this blog and consider donating to KSDS. For those that decide to donate on-line, please include an e-mail to KSDS designating the donation to go for the 5K 4 K9 race. Please consider purchasing a T-shirt and wearing it proudly! We are all getting so excited about the race and so gratefully appreciate your support.

Jenny Jones

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the $25,000 award that the Jenny Jones Foundation gave to Running Free. After hearing about our running club, the dedication of the participants, and the poor running track that the club used, Jenny gave us $20,000 to re-surface the track. Thanks to Andrews Asphalt, the track was resurfaced. Additionally, Jenny gave us $5,000 to purchase new running shoes for the participants. Great Plains Running Company came out and fitted the women with the appropriate shoes for their individual needs. It was a thrilling experience to see the women receive their shoes. We are so incredibly grateful to all the folks who have helped us with this running club. For more about Jenny's involvement with our club, please see www.jennysheroes.com/heroes_20081030_suzannem.shtml