When I went home for my class reunion, I saw a sign about a race being held the next day--I immediately contacted the coordinator in hopes of being a volunteer! I was welcomed with open arms and enjoyed my volunteer role: I was to stop traffic at my corner and point runners in the right direction of the course. I had the help of other course directors (pictured) and we had a blast!Many thought I traveled from Maryland exclusively for this event! It felt really good to not only be volunteering, but to do it in my hometown. A brief article written about the event is posted below...
Twice as many people visited the MERCI Clinic for services during the first quarter of this year than during the same period in 2008.
With the number of people needing medical, dental and prescription services increasing and donations decreasing during the recession, the Ninth Annual Run for MERCI will be a crucial fund-raiser Saturday for the New Bern-based clinic.
The clinic has provided health care for uninsured adults in Craven, Jones and Pamlico counties since 1996. More than 100 people have already registered for this year's fund-raising run, with the proceeds helping the clinic continue its services, said Nancy Alexander, the executive director.
"Financially, the run is a very good thing," Alexander said. "We need the income to support our patients."
The Craven-Pamlico-Jones Medical Alliance, an organization of spouses of medical professionals, has organized the Run for MERCI the past several years. The organization has added a 10K Run this year to the continuing 5K Run and Walk.
Alexander said participants will be able to use their times from competing in the 10K for other United States Track Association events.
The Run for MERCI will also coincide with the Neuse River Foundation's annual Neuse River Day. The 7:30 a.m. run will kick off the river awareness and activity event at Union Point Park.
"It should be a fun day to begin with a run and continue on the water," Alexander said.
Matt Tessnear can be reached at (252) 635-5673 or at mtessnear@freedomenc.com.
Run for MERCIWhat: Run for MERCI, a benefit for the MERCI Clinic in New Bern
When: Registration from 6:30 to 7:15 a.m. Saturday, start at 7:30 a.m.
Where: Union Point Park
Last year: Event raised about $8,000
The information here is great. I will invite my friends here.
ReplyDeleteThanks