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| Runners, walkers participate to end child abuse |
Staff Photo by Steven Marsh:
Veteran local distance runner H.T. Page of Wirtz sprints to the finish line en route to a second-place finish in last year’s Johnny CASA 5-Miler/5K Walk at Lake Watch Plantation in Moneta. The 2012 race starts Saturday at 8:30 a.m. and Page, a past men’s overall and men’s masters’ (age 40 and older) champion, is in the field. |
Friday, September 7, 2012
The Southern Virginia Child Advocacy Center (CAC) will host the seventh annual Johnny CASA 5miler - 5K walk on Saturday, Sept. 8 at Lake Watch Plantation.
This family focused event includes a 5-mile run and a 3.1-mile walk that begin at 8:30 a.m.
The goal of the event is to raise funds to protect children at risk of abuse, neglect or abandonment.
Johnny Nolen, race director and board member for the child advocacy center, coordinates this event to engage the community, increase their awareness about the impact of violence on children, and how each and every person can make a difference in protecting children at risk in Franklin County, according to CAC Executive Officer Joyce Moran. Race preparations begin in January and continue until race day.
"With the Sandusky case so present in our thoughts, participating in this event is one way each of us can actively combat child maltreatment", Moran said. "The reality is, unless we can break the cycle of violence, it is highly probable that 15 years from now we will be serving the children of the children we serve today."
"Long-standing research shows individuals who do not receive support and/or services are more likely to engage in unhealthy relationships (co-dependence, domestic violence), use illegal substances or misuse alcohol or prescription medicines to mask their feelings or just to be able to feel something -- have expensive long-term health issues (obesity, high blood pressure); and often become involved in criminal activity," she added.
Franklin County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is one of the programs within the child advocacy center that provides intervention and treatment for children who are victims of abuse or at risk for being victimized, Moran said.
For registration information, visit www.johnnycasa5miler-5kwalk.com, call 540-484-5566, or email johnnycasa@southernvacac.org.
Sponsors for the event include StellarOne, Conner-Bowman Funeral Home and Crematory, Underground Fitness, Prudential Waterfront Properties, Virginia Office Supply, Resurrection Catholic Church, Trinity Episcopal Parish, Haywood's-Westlake, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Davis Heating & Air Conditioning, WSLK Lake Radio, Brook's Mill Winery, Redwood United Methodist Church, Wareheim Foundation, Smith Mountain Lake Family Practice, and Westlake Dental Office. |
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