Care Net Owensboro will kick off the holiday season with its 11th annual Reindeer Run/Walk on December 6 at Smothers Park. The festive 5K, presented by Baird Private Wealth Management’s Longtine, Ivey, Wilkerson Group, Hausner Hard Chrome, Henry’s Plumbing, Heating & Air, and Southwire, invites runners and walkers of all levels to participate in the family-friendly event.
Participants are encouraged to wear holiday-themed attire as they race through a new course that passes Care Net’s medical clinic on 18th Street. The event is one of the nonprofit’s two major annual fundraisers, supporting its free medical and educational services for individuals and families across Owensboro.
Founded in 2004, Care Net Owensboro is a non-profit medical clinic funded entirely through donations from individuals, businesses, churches, and local grants.
More than 27 sponsors have contributed to this year’s Reindeer Run. The organization is also offering a fundraising component for both participants and non-participants to raise additional support, with prizes and exclusive merchandise available for top fundraisers and teams.
The morning will feature three events: the 5K Reindeer Run/Walk, a Reindeer Dash for children 7 and under, and a Virtual Run/Walk. The Reindeer Dash, which begins at 7:30 a.m., gives kids a chance to dash down Veterans Boulevard alongside Santa and his reindeer. Every young runner will receive a medal, and optional shirts can be purchased separately.
The main 5K begins at 8 a.m. and will be a timed race with awards for division winners. Virtual participants can complete their routes anytime, anywhere. Registration is $35 through November 30 and increases to $40 beginning December 1. Children 13 and under receive a $5 discount, and those who register by November 14 will receive a long-sleeved race T-shirt. Packet pickup will be held at Care Net on December 5 from noon to 6 p.m., or beginning at 7 a.m. the morning of the race.
Funds raised from the event will support Care Net’s mission of providing free, confidential services such as pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, STI testing and treatment, and parenting education. The clinic’s staff and volunteers aim to provide holistic care that supports emotional, social, mental, spiritual, and physical health.
For more information or to register, visit runsignup.com/Race/KY/Owensboro/CareNetReindeerRun5K.
The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.
Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership, at 270-926-1860 or kjones@owensboro.com.
By: John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times