A 5K run and 2 Mile walk with numerous door prizes (including cash), breakfast provided by Waffle House and unique awards! AND benefitting the Petal Children's task force.
About the Task force:
~~~ The Petal Children’s Task Force was formed in December of 1989 by Petal residents and friends Demaris Lee and Jessie Rowell. The event that set in motion what would eventually become the task force was a single needy family. The two women purchased food and Christmas presents for the family with money from their own pockets. While they didn’t advertise what they were doing, the women said requests for help continued to come in. While visiting these families to bring food and other necessities, the women often saw various sad situations. Children in deplorable living conditions, sometimes with no bed to sleep on, and houses with only a wood fire for heat in the winter are just a couple of examples. For almost a year, Demaris and Jessie tried to meet the needs of local families on their own, but in 1990 they received their first donation, $500 from the Chamber of Commerce. This was soon followed by several other donations from Petal businesses.
The women began speaking with local clubs and organizations, and soon the task force grew into a full-time organization. From a meager pantry at a local church, to space provided at the Center for Families and Children in Petal, the task force continued to grow. Eventually, a board of directors was organized, and the Task Force gained much support from the Petal community.
Even as the Task Force grew, its mission remained the same, to provide for the children of Petal and act as their advocate when no one else could.
Today our work continues. Through the generosity of Asbury Methodist Church, we now have our own space at the Lighthouse Mission site in Petal. And with this most recent blessing, we have been able to become a true Emergency Food Bank for all of the people in Petal. We now provide food assistance to anyone in need in the Petal area, including those who do not have children in the Petal School District. ~~~ Copied from their website
My PPRF girls talked me into doing this 5K. They didn't have to talk hard.. ha I love doing things that are for great causes. It was however, very chilly that morning! We all huddled inside until time to start the race. This was right when that winter storm was coming into Mississippi. It was so cold the air hurt my lungs during the run. Normally I can run pretty fast when it's cold, but on this morning I felt sluggish and the cold air just really hurt when I breathed. However, we had an awesome time and Anna and Feleica and I believe Michelle all got PRs! Plus when we went inside after the race to eat Waffle house and wait on awards, we ALL won a door prize! It was like our table was on fire! :>) I won $50! Plus I won a medal for 1st place in my age group.
Here are a few pics:
Me and crazy girl from hburg in shorts.. ha She's awesome.
The group b4 the race
Anna and Feleica.
Before the race.. notice we all bundled up!
Me and Felicia with are medals.
My neighbors fountain just a few days after the race... It got COLD in Mississippi!!
Until later... Keep running... keep moving! Hebrews 12:1
