Final Stats: Team Congo PDX's Group 10K & 5K Walk/Run - 3.9.13

The final stats are now in for my 2nd Annual Team Congo PDX's Group 10K/5K Walk Run, which was held on Saturday, March 9, 2013 to coincide with International Women's Day.


Participants running (sisters Ann & Carrie)
Photo taken by Alexa Brandt of Fatman Productions: http://fatmanproductions.com/

Participants: 148 (10K:66 / 5K:82)

5Kers starting their route
Photo taken by Alexa Brandt of Fatman Productions: http://fatmanproductions.com/

Funds Raised: $4,806

(Team Congo PDX Page, Rock Creek Multi-Cultural Center & Brenna Kutch)

100% of each participant's registration fee was a donation to Women for Women International's DR Congo program, and the amount above is comprised not only of the registration fees collected, but also of the funds collected the day of the event for the purchase of raffle tickets, as well as donations collected in the months and weeks leading up to the event.

The funds raised are enough sponsor 12 women for one year via Women for Women International's DR Congo Program.  These women will be enrolled in a year-long training program which will give them the skills needed to support themselves and their families.  They will also receive trauma counseling, and at the end of the program will be given a micro loan so that they can begin to support themselves using their newly learned skills.

Volunteer Hours: 

88.5 hours / 21 Volunteers

Volunteers Patrick & Scott check-in participants at Foot Traffic
Photo taken by Alexa Brandt of Fatman Productions: http://fatmanproductions.com/

Volunteer hours were donated in order to ensure that the event went as smoothly as possible, and for that I thank all volunteers!  Volunteers set-up the after-event reception areas, set-up the registration area, ran-registration, directed participants out on the route and helped to clean-up afterwards. 

A special thank you to Patrick Whalen, Starbucks Manager extraordinaire, who worked hard to recruit route volunteers via the Starbucks Community Service Site.

A local massage therapist from Raven Healing Therapies donated her services by offering a 15 minute massage for the participants free-of-charge.  Photographer Alexa Brandt of Fatman Productions donated her services by capturing the day in photos.  I thank them both for the generous donation of their talents.

I also thank the following volunteers: Kayla Smith (event co-coordinator), Kevin Putnam (sponsor), Craig Moore, Ann Shannon, Richa Sehgal, Alysha Atma, Allison (Foot Traffic), Dan, Anna & Hannah and Starbucks volunteers: Scott, Monica, Ramona, Susan, Anna, Sharon & Joseph.

SPONSORS: 5

($3,000 value)

I owe a BIG thank you to all of the event sponsors for without their support, my event would not have been the success it was: Swanson, Thomas, Coon & Newton, Foot Traffic, Diversitech, Starbucks & Great Harvest Bakery. 

My sponsors made it possible to advertise the event, print promotional materials, manage off-line registrations, provide the before and after event gathering spaces, and of course yummy treats to enjoy at the after-event reception. 

Most importantly, however, their sponsorship conveys their commitment to the cause, and for that I am grateful.  

RAFFLE PRIZES: 30+

($500 value)

Over 30 raffle prizes were donated to the event by the following supporters:

Thank you!

Community Support: 8 Groups

At the event were the following community groups: Oregon Coalition for Humanity, Portland's Equal Exchange Co-op, Never Again Coalition, Atma Foundation, Arise for Congo, The Embrace Necklace, & One Million Bones, all of whom sent representatives to table at the event in order to share with participants information about their work related to issues in DR Congo, and to provide information about other ways to become involved in the cause.

Also present in order to lend her support was Sarah Adkins from the Oregon Student Nurses' Association.



Participants making bones for One Million Bones
Photo taken by Alexa Brandt of Fatman Productions: http://fatmanproductions.com/

MORE THANK YOUS

Thank you to all of the participants who came out in support of Run for Congo Women. It was an amazing day, which would not have been possible without your support!  I hope to see you all next year (Save the date: 3.8.14).

I would also like to thank Bonnie Wilson from Run Oregon for taking time out of her busy schedule to participate in the event, and then write an event recap for the Run Oregon blog. Thank you Bonnie!

Bonnie Wilson finishing up the 10K
Photo taken by Alexa Brandt of Fatman Productions: http://fatmanproductions.com/

Thank you to Kayla Smith for helping me with the event--you are an amazing friend and co-event organizer!  Thank you to Kevin Putnam for running the show at the after-event reception, and for your continued support of Run for Congo Women.  Thank you also to Laura Thomas, Downtown manager of Foot Traffic, for your guidance and support. Thank you Jeanne Kraje for your support and reassurance.  And last, but far from least, thank you to my family and coworkers who patiently put up with my over-the-top stress level in the weeks and days leading up to the event.  I will not ever forget your reassuring words and support!

Happy 5K finisher
Photo taken by Alexa Brandt of Fatman Productions: http://fatmanproductions.com