On Feb. 21 a 12-hour run was held to raise money for the Everett Family YMCA Invest in Youth Program. With the Everett Family YMCA involved, I first thought of Everett Memorial Stadium as the logical venue. Unfortunately, the expenses to hold an event there would have consumed much of the money raised for the Invest in Youth Program.
As a back-up, I contacted Cliff Chaffee at Lake Stevens High School about using their track. Cliff responded the next day that we were welcome to use the track, and to just let him know when and approximately how many runners would participate. Prior to the run, Cliff also loaned us a timing clock to keep track of elapsed time.
The day dawned clear and crisp with five runners toeing the line for the full twelve-hour run. Over the course of the day, other runners (including a large contingent of noontime YMCA regulars) came by and ran; some for a short time, others for many miles. A number of Lake Stevens high school students helped out, counting laps and providing aid to the runners. Without their assistance, the event would not have gone so smoothly.
All in all, the Lake Stevens community came through in flying colors to support an event which benefited the Everett Family YMCA. Special thanks go out to Debbie Whitcombe of the YMCA for her efforts both prior to the event and for then spending the entire 12 hours at the track. Finally, I must also thank my friend Desmond Smith, who along with my wife and children, allowed himself to be recruited as an aid worker.At last tally, the “Fund” Run had raised more than $1,500 for the Invest in Youth Program. Based on feedback from the runners, we hope to make this run an annual event. And for what it’s worth, the view from the Lake Stevens track is better than Everett Memorial anyway.
Lake Stevens
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