CASA of McKean County will hold its second Superhero 5K Walk/Run and Kids Fun Run this Saturday, and registration is still open for anyone wanting to join in the fun.
The event will be held in conjunction with Kids Fest, which will take place after the Superhero course.
Participants are invited to take part in a 5K run/walk, followed by a short fun run for children ages 10 and under. There will also be a KaPow! Kids Fun Zone, where children will be able get superhero tattoos and and have their photo taken with superhero props.
People will be able to sign up Friday night at the YMCA, as well as Saturday morning before the run/walk.
“I think all kids need heroes,” Kristen Tim, executive director CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. “Neglected and abused kids really need heroes.”
“The goal for the Superhero 5K is to be the main annual, fundraising event for CASA of McKean County and to raise awareness for this organization that we have in our community,” according to Heather Bell, event chairwoman.
The 5K will begin at 8 a.m. in front of the Bradford Family YMCA at 59 Boylston St. The event is intended to be fun, but it will be timed and medals given to the top finishers. Those with the most creative superhero costumes will receive Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce gift certificates.
The CASA program aims to pair “heroes” with local children who are in need of a dependable adult. For members of the community who want to get involved in the program but are not able to give their time as a CASA volunteer, Saturday’s event provides a chance to show their support, said Tim.
And it’s not too late to join in.
“Late registration forms are being accepted all this week at the YMCA or by mailing your form to CASA of McKean County,” said Bell.
“In addition, we will be having a packet pick-up opportunity for those who have already registered and wish to pick-up their T-shirt and race bibs early,” Bell explained. “This will take place Friday from 4-7 p.m. at the YMCA. We will also be accepting registration forms at this time as well. Finally, we will be accepting registrations at 7 a.m. before the race starts on Saturday morning.”
So far, about 70 have signed up to take part, less than last year’s number, but organizers are hopeful that more will be coming on board this week. For her part, Bell would love to see 150 5K and fun run participants don the duds of their favorite superheroes and support the cause.
There is a cost to register.
“This event is so important for all of our families in the community to take part in, by attending this event you are taking a stand against child abuse and showing our neediest children in our county that there are people who care about them and are fighting for their rights and protection,” said Bell.
Tim said she was “fortunate” that Heather Bell and Stacy Williams approached her this year to offer their help for the second time. “They were part of the Leadership McKean Team that organized the first run,” she explained.
Tim noted that CASA board members and current volunteers will help Saturday morning.
“The goal is to raise awareness for our program,” said Tim, who explained that CASA is not a county department. “We do not receive any county or state funding. In order for CASA as a nonprofit to continue to function, train and support more volunteers, funding is crucial.”
The organization, run with 1 ½ staff members and numerous volunteers — there will be 25 when the current volunteer class is completed in May — serves an important need in the community.
“Provide children in dependency with a consistent, caring adult,” said Tim, describing the organization’s mission. “When a child in the dependency system has a CASA volunteer, that person is the only one involved in the child’s life who’s there only for them.”
Each volunteer advocates for the child in the court.
“Our CASAs only carry one case at a time, so they’re very focused,” said Tim.
In its second year, the fun run has already gained fans, according to Tim, who said gave an example of one eager participant who has been emailing back and forth with her about when this year’s run would be.
The program is also gaining support through volunteer advocates.
In addition to the six new advocates who are being trained this spring, two people have already registered for the fall training, said Tim. They will have to undergo 30 hours of training and background checks. However, there are still many in the McKean County dependency system who could use a steady support system, as there were 112 children in the system last she knew.
“I had one volunteer say (after joining), ‘I knew it was important. I had no idea how important it really is.”
Bell said event organizers reached out to local businesses, organizations and individuals seeking sponsorship for the race, and they were not disappointed, as the following all offered their support: International Waxes Inc., BOB Radio, Team Minard, Honorable Christopher G. and Virginia A. Hauser, Pembroke Foundation, Full Circle, St. Elizabeth of Hungary Roman Catholic Church, Church of the Ascension, Richgas Inc., Close’s Lumber, Ellen Evans, Northwest Bank of Smethport, Byllye Lanes, Bradford Area Christian Academy, Bradford Eagles Club, Tom and Patsy Arrowsmith, Smethport Drive-In and Charlotte Layton.
It’s through “the generosity of these businesses, organizations, families, and individuals” that the CASA continues to be a part of the community, according to Bell.
