Posted on September 10, 2007
While some were sleeping on Saturday morning, others were fundraising for the Harrisonburg Rescue Squad.
The Harrisonburg Rescue Squad had its second annual 5k run/walk fundraiser in order to cover expenses since it runs on volunteers.
Alumna Alison Crawley, senior members Committee Coordinators Madeline Hadder and junior Stephanie Cardace and Public Relations Officer Peter Gardella organized the event.
“We brainstorm fundraisers and then raise the money,” Gardella said. “[For] everything from running the squad, funding equipment, paying for supplies, maintenance and any expenditures.”
Other events included the silent auction, DJ and equipment demonstrations of new technology for the Rescue Squad.
Runner prizes were awarded to three participants. The first place runner won an iPod Shuffle donated by Crutchfield’s and a wide array of gift certificates to local restaurants and eateries. Second place runner Anthony Alentado won gift certificates to Mr. J’s, Country Cookin’, the bowling alley, Fun Zone and Smoothie King.
Aleptado said he wasn’t worried about where he placed before the race.
“It’s just to get out to run for the Rescue Squad,” he said. “It’s nice to give money to a good cause and also get exercise.”
The fastest runners weren’t the only participants to walk away with prizes.
“All race participants received a free t-shirt, free coupons to Coldstone, Qudoba and Chick-Fil-A,” Hadder said.
In order to spread the word to the JMU community, the Rescue Squad stuffed mailboxes with pamphlets and set up a table for pre-registration in the Commons.
Theta Chi sponsored the Rescue Squad on behalf of the JMU community and was one of many sponsors for the fundraiser.
Senior Dan Sapp, a member of Theta Chi, was glad to be a first time part of this fundraiser.
“I really have pride in the community services we do,” he said. “I can associate with the Resque Squad knowing how the hard work can be.”
Theta Chi raised $295 by asking members, students and family members to help support the Rescue Squad.
Although it was just a one day fundraiser, there was much work involved to plan for the event.
“We did a really good job getting the word out and overall, it went fabulously and we couldn’t have asked for a better turnout,” Hadder said.
Last year, there were about 80 participants who raised about $1,500. This year, 120 to 130 people participated.
“We had more publicity and tried better advertising tactics,” Gardella said. “Different stores donated ads and helped us.”
Hadder said that the fundraiser grew even more than last year and she hopes to make adjustments for next year.
In addition, the participants seemed to have found the event beneficial.
“I find the 5k inspirational because the Rescue Squad is run by volunteers and [although they are] getting some funding from the city, I’d like to help them,” senior Kaja Jurczynska said. “I appreciate them and it’s a great opportunity.”
Sapp said that it is “really cool to come back from school and within the second week we are already having a project on the way.”
“I felt really excited to do it. If it goes to benefit the volunteers, that’s a great cause and very worthwhile,” Jurczynska said.
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