Dogs, locals support Homecoming, health issues by getting exercise
Two benefits ran the schedule this weekend as money was raised for cancer and child healthcare.
Adorned with pink crowns and sashes, 90 of the “breast” walkers in the city of Athens completed a 13-mile route this Saturday.
As participants of the In Their Shoes Walk, the breast cancer supporters and survivors raised more than $90,000 to benefit the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support.
Anne Hansen and Gaylene Ward, both breast cancer survivors, began the walk last year to help other people who had been “in their shoes.”
“After we finished our treatment, we wanted to do something to give back to the community,” Hansen said.
Each walker was required to raise at least $1,000 in order to participate.
Ashley Wells, a College of Public Health academic professional, helped coordinate all of the In Their Shoes volunteers.
“I think it’s really important for students to volunteer,” Wells said.
One of her students who decided to volunteer was Sarah Shelnutt, a junior from Watkinsville majoring in physical therapy.
“I thought it was a great way to spend a Saturday,” Shelnutt said.
Sunday at 8:30 a.m., 85 participants laced up to run Dawg Dash, a 5K race to commemorate the University’s Homecoming kick-off.
“This is the first year Dance Marathon has teamed up with Homecoming for the race,” said Jennifer Weidner, a junior from Gray and Dance Marathon special events director. “We both had races scheduled on the same day. We came to an agreement to have one big race so both organizations were benefited.”
Participants were asked to pay a $15 registration fee. They received a T-shirt and an assortment of University Union gear.
The race commenced at Stegeman Coliseum and ended in the parking lot behind the Rankin Smith Academic Center. The winner of the race was Mike Comer, a University alumnus from Atlanta.
Joan Trefz, University Union Homecoming Executive and a sophomore from Watkinsville said the Union’s plan is to team up with different organizations each year to benefit local charities.
The proceeds were donated to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
