1st annual 'Speak Up For Kids CASA 5K’planned for Nov. 21

Posted Friday, Oct. 30, 2009 Comments   (0) Print Share Share Reprints
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With hundreds of abused and neglected children in Johnson County needing an advocate, there is also a need for money to help these kids get placed in a safe and nurturing environment.

Court Ordered Special Advocates (CASA) of Johnson County plans to stand up for abused and neglected children with the First Annual 'Speak Up For Kids CASA 5K’ on Nov. 21. This fundraiser is a first for CASA of Johnson County. There are numerous sponsors for the event, with sponsorships still being accepted. All sponsors will be listed on special T-shirts given out at the event.

CASA of Johnson Country is funded through a combination of private and public funds including city, county, state and federal grants. Additional money comes from private foundations, corporations, individual contributions and annual fund raisers.

"It costs an average of $1,998 to help an abused or neglected child be placed in a safe and nurturing environment," said Cheryl Price, executive director of CASA of Johnson County. So far in 2009, 105 children have been assisted by CASA of Johnson County, and the upcoming holidays will likely swell that number even larger.

Texas CASA, formed in 1989, serves 63 local CASA programs by providing funding, training, technical assistance, coordination for program expansion and development, raising public awareness of child abuse and the need for volunteers.

The 'Speak Up For Kids CASA 5K’ will include a fast pace of fitness and festivities including food, live music, games, and door prizes. Everyone will be given a T-shirt with the sponsors’ names on it for participating. Following the race, there will be awards recognizing the top runners of various age groups. Each child participating in the 1K Fun Run will receive an award.

Registration in advance of the event can be done online at www.casajohnsoncounty.org. Registration is available for the 1K Fun Run and 5K Run, along with teams of 10 children or 5 adults can also be registered.

The 'Speak Up For Kids 5K’ will be held at Yellow Jacket Stadium, 1201 W. Henderson in Cleburne. Registration starts at 7 a.m., with activities starting at 8 a.m.

Volunteers are still needed for water stops, registration, post race festivities, and set up and take down.

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