VCU news

By Tom Gresham

The Friends Association for Children, a nonprofit child and family agency, has found a strong partner in Virginia Commonwealth University. The group has worked with such university-based entities as VCU ASPiRE, the Center for Sport Leadership and VCU Athletics to raise money, fortify programs, provide role models and expand the opportunities available to the children they help. During the past two years, the relationship between the nonprofit and VCU has expanded through the Broad Street Mile, VCU’s annual event that combines a street festival with a 5K run and a series of 1-mile fun runs and serves as a turnkey fundraising opportunity for local community organizations.

The Friends Association has participated in each of the past two Broad Street Mile events and will be on hand again Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., when the third annual event, which has the theme “Run with Purpose,” is held on West Broad Street between Belvidere Street and Hermitage Road. The Friends Association is one of more than 65 local charities expected to participate.

This event is a great opportunity for the VCU community, the Richmond community and the nonprofit community to come together and generate much-needed resources for the nonprofits.

“This event is a great opportunity for the VCU community, the Richmond community and the nonprofit community to come together and generate much-needed resources for the nonprofits,” said J. David Young, executive director of the Friends Association. “These types of activities are perfect for us.”

In addition to the races, the free festival will feature live music, food trucks, local vendors, kids’ activities and more. People are encouraged to enjoy the festivities even if they are not participating in one of the running or walking events. In fact, the new festival layout integrates the 5K and various 1-mile runs with cheer zones for spectators.

Young said the event creates a family-friendly atmosphere that encourages community health and collaboration. Children from the Friends Association will be among those grinning through the Kids Mile event, as they have in past years.

“It’s a lot of fun for them,” Young said. “It gives the kids exposure to a variety of activities.”

Suffusing the fun-focused atmosphere is the emphasis on local nonprofits. Runners and walkers have the option to donate to one of the charity partners participating in the event, potentially providing a significant lift to the organizations and those they serve. For instance, last year’s Broad Street Mile fundraising helped the Friends Association send kids to VCU’s Lobs & Lessons summer camp. There is no fee for charity partners to participate. Last year, the event raised more than $26,000. For a list of participating charities this year, visit vcubroadstreetmile.com/fundraise.

Christi Kapinos, special events coordinator for the Richmond Animal League, said the event is a boost for locally based charities without the resources of national organizations, allowing them a prominent place to tout their services and marshal support for their efforts.

“It’s a really great opportunity not only to fundraise but to raise awareness for these organizations,” Kapinos said.

In addition to representatives and individual supporters of the nonprofits participating in the races, some local race participants have formed teams to raise money for their chosen organization. Fundraising leaders for the event — both teams and individuals — are being tracked at crowdrise.com/vcubroadstreetmile.

Live music offerings will feature performances by local bands and youth and dance groups on three stages. Performers include Ameera Delandro, Bri Luv, three VCU step teams and representatives of two of the nonprofits — the Friends Association and Culture for My Kids.

This year’s festival marks the return of the Doggy Dash Fun Run and the 5K race, among other events. For the first time, the route for the 5K will wind through the VCU campus. The Spirit Mile also returns and the lively field will include VCU men’s basketball coach Will Wade and the Rowdy Rams.

This year’s races include:

• VCU 5K. Start time: 10:10 a.m.
• Kids Mile. Start time: 11:20 a.m. Children run with Rodney the Ram and other area mascots in support of children’s charities.
• No Limits Mile. Start time: 11:40 a.m. Run to support individuals that have overcome obstacles such as major illnesses, disabilities or other life challenges.
• Spirit Mile. Start time: noon. Dress to represent your school, sports team, youth group, or other organization you are passionate about.
• Senior Mile. Start time: 12:20 p.m. Seniors and their families run in support of causes that support the senior community.
• Doggy Dash. Start time: 12:40 p.m. Run or walk a mile with man’s best friend to support animal-related charities. (For more details about guidelines for this race, visit vcubroadstreetmile.com/info.)

 

For race registration, visit vcubroadstreetmile.com/register.

 

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