By Anna Price Olson
Contributing Writer
A weekend jog down sorority row, past Bryant-Denny Stadium and through downtown Tuscaloosa will support the prevention of child abuse both nationwide and in the community.
Kappa Delta sorority will host its third annual 5K Shamrock Run benefiting Child Abuse Prevention Services of Tuscaloosa this Saturday at 10 a.m.
Last year, the event raised more than $32,500 for CAPS, a local organization that provides school and parenting programs to increase awareness of child abuse and strengthen families in the community.
LaShonda Hayes, the organization’s executive director, recognizes that as a prevention program, people don’t always see the benefit of their service.
“I am thankful Kappa Delta recognizes our importance,” Hayes said. “We are giving children the time, education and knowledge that will save our community later on in life.”
With Prevent Child Abuse of America as the sorority’s national philanthropy, the UA Kappa Delta chapter feels lucky to also have a local partnership with CAPS.
The event Saturday will benefit child abuse prevention efforts in the state of Alabama and nationwide, with 80 percent of the proceeds going to CAPS and the other 20 percent to PCA America.
Since its national partnership with child abuse prevention efforts in 1983, Kappa Delta has raised more than $7 million for child abuse prevention services.
CAPS recognizes the race as one of their top fundraisers each year and features the sorority’s philanthropic efforts on their website. CAPS is especially thankful for their partnership with the sorority this year. Hayes says that while the Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect cut their funding, they have not suffered thanks to the Kappa Delta Shamrock Run.
“The proceeds made up for the cut and we are still able to provide services such as Safe Child [a personal safety program for all Tuscaloosa 1st graders] to school children,” Haynes said.
Charlotte Collins, vice president of community service for Kappa Delta, hopes to make even more of an impact on CAPS and the 10,000 people it serves yearly at no charge. Having already raised $34,000 for the 2012 race, Kappa Delta still wants to do more for its local partner.
“We are excited to kick off this weekend after a rainy week,” Collins said. “We are open for late registration, so we are hoping for more runners to come out and support such a great cause.”
For more information, email [email protected].
If you go:
Event: Kappa Delta 5K Shamrock Run
When: March 3, 2012 10:00 a.m.
(Register starts at 9:00 a.m.)
Where: Kappa Delta House
819 Magnolia Drive
Fee: $20 registration fee (which includes an event t-shirt)
