Canopy Children’s Solutions is hosting its 5K4Kids Canopy Care Run on Saturday, September 23, 2017. This family-friendly event will be held at the Renaissance at Colony Park in Ridgeland.
The event includes a 5K Run/Walk, a Kids’ One Mile Fun Run for children ages five to 10, and a Tot Trot for preschool-aged children. Awards will be presented to the overall male and female winners, along with age category winners and the top fundraising team. In addition to the race, the event will also feature the 5K4Kids Zone offering interactive activities and games for kids of all ages.
“We shouldn’t distinguish between the ‘physical health’ and ‘mental health’ of children. Rather, we should be talking about ‘healthy’ children,” said John Damon, Canopy CEO. “Right now, one in five children has a significant behavioral health challenge; one in 68 is on the autism spectrum; and one in 12 is struggling with substance abuse issues. More importantly, every one of these statistics represents a life that can be transformed when a child is connected with the help he or she needs. At Canopy, we believe every child can be a success story. This event is a meaningful way the community can support children on their journey towards ‘whole-person’ health.”
Early registration for the 5K Run/Walk is $25, $15 for the Fun Run, and $10 for the Tot Trot. Early registration ends Friday, September 8. All participants receive a race t-shirt, grab bag and are invited to enjoy the on-site vendors and activities following the race. On-site race day registration begins at 7:00 a.m., with the race warm-up at 7:45. The 5K Run will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. with the other races to follow.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for local businesses, organizations and individuals to showcase their commitment to supporting the needs of vulnerable children. Canopy is also seeking community volunteers to help with preparation and race day activities. Sponsorship levels and volunteer opportunities can be found at mycanopy.org.
Canopy Children’s Solutions is the state’s largest, most comprehensive provider of children’s behavioral health, educational and social service solutions serving all 82 Mississippi counties. It offers an array of child and family solutions including specialized education programs, Autism therapy, intensive psychiatric treatment, therapeutic counseling, adolescent drug and alcohol interventions, crisis solutions, family preservation programs, therapeutic foster care and adoption. In total, Canopy serves more than 4,400 children and families each year.
For a full list of event details, to register, or to find other ways to get involved, please contact Traci Grubb at 601-352-7784 or visit www.mycanopy.org.