By Staff
Registration and contribution forms are due today for participants in The Human Race 2004 who want to pay the $18 fee.
Those registering on race day, Saturday, will be charged $22 for the event which includes a 10K Run, 5K Run, 5K Walk and 1 Mile Fun Walk at Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Center in Buchanan.
Those runners who wish to may pick up their race packets on Friday from 4-6 p.m. at Fernwood.
The Human Race 2004 is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday at Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve
The Human Race serves a number of purposes. First, it is a fundraiser for the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan. Second, it offers supporters of local 501 ( c ) 3 not-for-profits the opportunity to collect contributions to participate in one of the four parts of the event. Ninety percent of those funds are retained by the not-for-profit in whose name the runner is participating, with 10 percent going to the Volunteer Center. Third, it allows nonprofits of all sizes to "piggyback" on an event that would, otherwise, be labor-intensive and a duplication of effort to attempt alone.
In a new approach to fundraising, The Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan is hosting this event that not only serves as a fundraiser for its own organization, but also provides a venue for other nonprofits to develop funds through the same project.
According to Board President, Buzz Calvert, "The beauty of this event is that everyone has a chance to fund raise without the additional pressure of administering a separate event. This is the second year we have attempted such a project, and we hope that, with the support of the other nonprofits and the community, we will be able to realize profits for everyone involved. And the added bonus is that many not-for-profits can work together to make this a success. We're stronger together than we are apart."
The Human Race registration brochures are available by calling the Volunteer Center at (269) 983-0912 in St. Joseph or (269) 683-5464 in Niles, or by visiting the organization's website at www.volunteerswmi.org for a printable copy of the brochure's registration form and contribution form.
Registration includes an "I joined The Human Race" T-shirt and admission to Fernwood. Participants can also collect contributions from those who support their participation in the race, with all checks to be made out to "The Human Race." Should individuals choose not to collect contributions, they are welcome to run in the race for the exercise benefit alone.
The Volunteer Center, a United Way partner, mobilizes people and resources to deliver creative solutions to community problems.