Ya We GOT DOWN at 5K!

April 16, 2011, a morning that most decided to spend curled up in a warm bed except for the 1000 plus, dedicated health enthusiasts, and philanthropic individuals who chose to participate in the Delta Omega Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta’s annual 5K and silent auction. Theta is proud to announce the staggering totally of 45,288 dollars raised on this momentous occasion.

The newest additions to Theta, also known as PC 10, began the day with hard work and front yard dance parties. We could jointly feel the excitement to witness our first Theta 5K pulsing through our pledge class. As the older KAT’s addressed their duties, the once crisp morning air had disappeared and the time for the race had come. Led by the voice of President Megan Minns, the runners busted through the cascading arch of balloons at the starting line, while the participants aiming for a morning that required less sweat, began to walk or rollerblade. Once the race times were calculated and the silent auction closed, the severity of the reason to which we had gathered fell upon the crowd.

Our 5K supports the local philanthropy called Scotty’s House as well as Theta’s national philanthropy named CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates. Both organizations deal with addressing abused children and their recovery process. CASA Advocates joined Callie Lowe, Jenna Street, and Julia Wood, this year’s 5K chairs, in announcing the final tally of funds received for the event. Overwhelmed by the support encompassing the room many were brought to tears.

The reality of child abuse is difficult to accept and sometimes even acknowledge but in that moment, however, the advocates and onlookers recognized that these children desperately need our financial aid in addition to our emotional support. Thetas were honored to serve our local community by providing funds to support Scotty’s House. We have never had so much success with a 5K and cannot wait to see how the money can help improve the quality of life for the children given aid by Scotty’s House. We also greatly appreciated the willingness of our community to rise early, run fast (or walk J), and leave late to help this year’s 5K go beyond our anticipated goal. 5K was essentially flawless.