Freezin’ for a Reason 2013
Local runners ran in chilly temperatures Saturday for one reason: to raise money for a school in Haiti. Forty people participated in a 2-mile race, Freezin’ for a Reason, raising over 9,000 dollars for local organization Many Hands for Haiti. Brandon Dunsbergen was the first place male finisher and Shay Haverkamp won the women’s title. Runners ranged in age from 2 to 52 years and represented Lynville, Sully, Ames, Iowa City and Pella. Participants defrosted post-race with a soup supper at Sully Christian School. A performance by Gospel Truth and speaking by Haitian Silentor Esthil-Henderson entertained the crowd while Sully Lions Club served Strawberry Slushies. Verma Hackert organized the soup supper and hoped the event would help inspire more community members to get involved. “Silentor’s story is inspirational, “ said Hackert. “The children in Haiti have the potential to do great things like Silentor, but they just need the chance. Because of events like this, the more people that hear about the story, the more will be inspired to give them that chance.” The supper included a Haiti replica exhibit and guests were able to purchase Solid Ground for Haiti items including jewelry, art, and coffee. The proceeds from the event will build three additional classrooms for the IMEG school in Gonaives, Haiti. Many Hands for Haiti would like to thank the volunteers, participants, and sponsors including Coffee Cup Cafe, Fast Trax Sports, First State Bank Lynnville-Sully, Great Western Bank, Hackert Landscaping, Janco Industries Inc., Nikkel Construction, Nikkel Aglime, and Sully Christian School.
