Local Idaho residents run to raise money for vaccinations and a local community pool.
In time for Halloween, two Maverik Convenience Stores in Idaho towns helped fundraise while engaging the community in exercise and Halloween fun this past weekend with two Zombie 5K races.
In Rupert, Idaho, on Sunday Oct. 27 the Maverik Service Station on Scott Ave. hosted a Zombie run to raise funds to prevent Maternal/Neonatal Tetanus in third world countries.
The 5K fundraiser was a joint effort between Maverik Service Stations and the Kiwanis Club, both of which are fighting against the disease, which causes excruciating suffering and death among women and their newborns.
Racers were encouraged to dress up as zombies or in Halloween costumes. Tickets cost $15 each or $25 per family. Participants received a coffee mug and a $5 Maverik gift certificate for joining the festivities. During the event, the Maverik provided hot dogs and drinks free of charge, while Gary Bench provided music for racers.
Participants that weren’t interested in racing were still encouraged to head toward the finish line at their own speed. “Walk, run, crawl or push your stroller,” event organizer Cindy McWilliams told the Weekly News Journal.
Everyone is invited, event organizer Cindy McWilliams said. She hoped the event would raise between $250 and $500. “Even $5 will help save almost three mothers and who knows how many children,” she said.
Kiwanis is also teaming with UNICEF to raise money. Just $1.80 would vaccinate a woman against the disease, which would protect her for 10 years. UNICEF, which started work on the cause three years ago, aims to raise $110 million during the next five years to prevent Tetanus in women and their babies.
Save the Pool
The Maverik Station at 275 N. 16th street in Payette, Idaho also hosted a Sunday zombie run to raise money for the local Payette Municipal Pool. Racers could choose between a 5K run and a 3K walk. Participants were encouraged to come dressed in their scariest Halloween costumes. The run began at 9 a.m. and the walk started at 10 a.m., with a $20 entry fee for runners and a $15 fee for walkers. Prizes were awarded for the best-dressed child and adult participants. Proceeds from the race benefited the Payette Municipal Pool, which has been closed since September due to a pump failure.