The Fort Wayne Base Community Council will be hosting the inaugural ‘Race for the Warriors’ 5k/10k charity fundraiser race and walk, May 23, 2015, at the Fort Wayne International Airport.
Race day registration starts at 7:30 a.m., with the race at 9 a.m., and will follow a course through the airfield’s taxiways, runways and cargo ramp. Timing for runners will be provided by Fleet Feet, Inc. from Fort Wayne.
Free event parking, check-in and pre / post-race activities will all take place at the Fort Wayne International Airport’s Air Trade Centre. A $25.00 registration fee for the 5K and $30.00 for the 10k will provide runners with a commemorative T-shirt, featuring a race logo created by Viridian Architectural Design, as well as other items donated by FWBCC members and supporters.
“Signing up for the ‘Race for the Warriors’ is a way everyone can show their support for local military families on Memorial Day weekend,” said Patrick Dooley, director of airport development with FWA and base community council board member. “Our all-volunteer committee is working to make every aspect of this run unique and fun for the entire family.”
Both Dooley and retired Capt. Eric Flores, senior mortgage consultant with Union Home Mortgage, will co-chair the run and lead the team of volunteers working to manage production of the event.
The proceeds from the race will benefit the FWBCC’s Military Support Fund, which assists military families in times of need.
The council’s Military Support Fund is managed in partnership with The Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, and has helped more than 120 local military families during its first two years of operation.
“One unique aspect of our Military Support Fund is that it is available to enlisted members of the Armed Forces who are currently serving but not deployed,” said FWBCC president Tammy Kelly. “While there are many wonderful organizations supporting our Nation’s defenders, service members may not qualify for other programs, or there is a lengthier application process and wait time for relief. Our support fund can provide immediate short-term aid to military members when emergencies arise, allowing them to stay more focused on their mission and care of their families.”
The FWBCC held a race name selection contest in late 2014, and Donna L. Sark of Fort Wayne came up with the winning event title.
To sign-up and register, or for more information, visit www.raceforthewarrior.com or see the Fort Wayne Base Community Council’s website (www.fortwaynebcc.org).