Agape House event draws hundreds of participants
The Agape House, of Walworth, presented its seventh annual 5K Run Walk Stroll on Saturday and brought hundreds of runners to join the fundraising effort for Child Abuse Prevention.
According to organizers, about 155 participants pre-registered for the event, with another 20 people who entered the day of the non-competitive race.
“It was a beautiful day and the event was platted out by John Palmer, of John Palmer Personal Training,” organizers said. “He led out the group and watched for stragglers on the route. People rode bike, ran, walked and strolled.”
Participants had an option of refreshments before, and after the event, organizers added.
Prior to the event, Kym Bachtell, Director of Student Life at Agape House, greeted participants as they began stretching exercises led by Director of Counseling Bonilee Maclay.
Organizers encouraged participants to get pledges and the top fundraisers garnered honors with prizes.
Prize winners included Kathy Phinney, East Troy; Kathleen Lincoln, Delavan; Jan Baker, Elkhorn; and the Beard Family from Davis, Illinois.
Lake Geneva Canopy Tours, Covenant Harbor, Paradise Golf donated prizes to the cause, as did personal contributions, according to organizers.
Kunes Country Group, an auto dealership, served as sponsors of the event. WW Trucking, Inc. was the corporate sponsor.
Knead 2 Relax, John’s Disposal, Fat Tire Ride and Lakes Area Insurances, LLC. contributed as friends of the event.
Agape House is the only private residential home and school for teens in the state of Wisconsin. The non-profit organization offers hope and healing to abused or distressed girls ages 12 through 18, and boys ages 12 through 16. Programs include Christian counseling services, mentoring, individualized educational courses, and a safe environment where the teens can heal. Counseling is also available for family members wishing to break unhealthy generational cycles.
Founded by Ben and Pam Patterson, Agape House is sustained by monetary donations and the work of volunteers with only 20 percent of funding coming from program fees.
“After opening their home to foster children, Pam quickly recognized the opportunity to provide more space and mentoring to help heal the broken hearts of the children they took in,” according to the group website. “From there, a non-profit ministry began with a simple yet challenging promise to never turn away a child in need.”
Visit AgapeHouseHeals.org for more information.
