Safe Haven Crisis and Recovery Center for Sexual Assault will sponsor the fourth Annual Catch the Leprechaun 5K Run and Fun Walk this Saturday.
“The event is a 5K run. Participants can either run or walk the course. We also set up a one-mile fun walk, for those who want to participate but don’t feel up to three-plus miles,” Priscilla Jenkins, executive director of Safe Haven, said.
The purpose of the event is to raise money to support Safe Haven, a non-profit organization that helps all victims of sexual assault and abuse, Jenkins said.
“We get all the money for sponsorships and from race fees. We then use the money to support our services to clients.”
The race fee directly benefits Safe Haven and supports the free services it provides mostly to women and children such as forensic nursing exams, therapy, case management and crisis line services, Jenkins said.
Also, the publicity from the event helps Safe Haven educate the community about sexual assault and sexual abuse issues as well as the agency and its services, she said.
Anyone interested in participating can register the morning of the event starting at 8:30 at Barley’s in the Old City.
“[The] cost is $20 and will include a shirt as long as they last,” she said.
The race starts and finishes in front of Barley’s and includes several prizes in various categories, Jenkins said.
Prizes range from restaurant gift cards, tickets to Ripley’s Aquarium and Dollywood to $100 Goody’s gift card and $50 New Balance gift certificate, according to Jenkins.
In addition to prizes for winners of the race, people can draw for several door prizes such as a massage at Aveda, putt-putt tickets to Zuma Fun Center and Regal movie tickets, Jenkins said.
Lyndsey Hulen, Women’s Coordinating Council advisor, said the fundraiser for Safe Haven is important.
“One of the places we refer people to is Safe Haven, because we have such a close relationship with them,” Hulen said. “Their center is truly a haven for those who have been assaulted and need to know what steps to take when that happens. They make those who come to the center feel comfortable.”
For more information regarding the Catch the Leprechaun 5K Run and Fun Walk or Safe Haven can contact the organization at 558-9040.
