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Mothers for Clean Air Earth Day 5K
Exceeds Expectations for 2006
Volunteers and committee members
Photos: Sponsors and Donors – Participants – Post-Race Party
On Saturday, April 22, MfCA held its first annual Earth Day 5K, as well as a 1K kids run and a 3K walk. The weather was beautiful, and the shady, tree-lined streets of Bellaire, near the Nature Discovery Center, provided a perfect backdrop for the races.
Thanks to the help of numerous volunteers and the contributions of our sponsors and donors, the event ran so smoothly that at one point, our executive director, Jane Laping, said “This proves how much support there is for clean air in the Houston area!”
For our first year, we really exceeded our expectations. We had 200 runners who ran in the 5K, and after the 1K and 3K registrations were added, we ended up with more than 300 participants. At the final tally, the event has raised nearly $10,000 for the programs and activities of Mothers for Clean Air.
We heard many positive comments from our participants as well as from nearby residents. Several of them brought lawn chairs out into their yards to watch the race. Volunteers and police officers helped guard the intersections.
The kids’ IK race started at 7:30 a.m., and the first 10 boys and 10 girls to finish the race received medals. Every kid who participated received a free “Kids for Clean Air” wristband and a free Earth Day 5K t-shirt.
The 5K run followed, with 200 runners of various ages. The best time for the race was 18:20, achieved by Open male winner Johnny Brown. The Open female winner, with a time of 20:16, was Allison Nadolski. The winners in the Masters (those 40 and older) were Dan Bass and Heide Mairs, with times of 18:44 and 20:44, respectively. All four runners received certificates for running shoes, which were donated by RunSport.
After the race, MfCA held a post-race party and awards ceremony under the trees at Russ Pitman Park. Several sponsors and donors were on hand to share information about their services. Race participants took advantage of tables loaded with fresh fruit, bagels, Clif bars, Gatorade and other refreshments, which were generously provided by our donors.
Channel 13’s Tom Koch served as the master of ceremonies, handing out awards to race winners and also calling out the winners of the numerous door prizes. Also chipping in with MC duties were Jessica Willey of Channel 13 and Melissa Wilson of Fox 26 News. KRBE generously provided the sound system.
All in all, the day was a great success, made possible by each person who decided to take part in the event. Thanks to you all!
Race Sponsors and Donors
Green Mountain Energy, Mike Calvert Toyota and Sandcastle Homes provided major financial support for the Mothers for Clean Air Earth Day 5K. Additional financial support was provided by REI, Horizon Wind Energy, HEB, Magnum Staffing, The Village Botanica, Westside Lexus, Doctors Chiropractic Health and Rehab Center and Kronberg’s Flags and Flagpoles. We express our deepest gratitude to these sponsors, without whom this race would not be possible.
We also would like to thank the following companies for providing in-kind services and/or prizes for our race. Their contributions helped make our event a success:
PRIZES:
- RunSport
- Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa
- I.W. Marks Jewelers
- Imagination Toys
- Bella Rinova Beauty Salon
- Whole Earth Provision Company
- Office Depot
- Food for Thought
- Magpies
- Auntie Pasto's
- James Coney Island
- Guadalajara Mexican Grill
- Jennifer's Landscape Vitamins
- Let Us Play
- Gale Ford, Muscular Therapist
PRINTING:
- Southwest Business Printers
- Copy Dr.
- VCI
PROMOTION:
- 104 KRBE-FM
- Fox 26
- Channel 13
- Weekley Family YMCA
SHUTTLE:
- VPSI Van Services
POST RACE PARTY:
- City of Houston
- Clif Bar
- Gulfton Kroger
- NYC Bagels
- Bellaire Randall's
- Reddy Ice
- Sandy's Market
Volunteers and Committee Members
The Mothers for Clean Air Earth Day 5K was the work of more than 50 volunteers and volunteer coordinators. Their hard work and dedication helped make this event a success and we extend a big thanks to each one of these special people.
We’re also grateful to the MfCA Earth Day 5K committee members, who put in many hours planning and executing these races. They are Owen Raun, Terri Thomas, Lauren Salomon, Andrew Sharenson and Caroline Starry. Thanks to you all!