Many past runners and sponsors have contacted SUN staff regarding the annual run we hold. Unfortunately, we’re not holding the run this year. There’s good reasons and bad for not holding the run.
We enjoyed working up to the annual Sun Fun Run for the past seven years. It was great hearing the community support and the unqualified donations we always received. Many businesses in town contacted us to donate water or sports drinks, fruit, food or prizes for the raffle. They wanted to be part of the run. Some of those same good people are contacting us now, prompting me to explain the status of the run.
The bad news is the economy is down and many of our larger sponsors cannot commit to as large a donation or any at all. That’s understandable, we’re in the same boat with people asking us for donations.
We also question whether we could come up with 100 people willing to part with $20 in this economy. That’s groceries for some and utility bill help to others.
Of course on the other side of the run is the group we choose annually to receive the proceeds and there’s good news there. Yes, all of the non-profits in the Valley are hurting for money and in kind donations. I encourage everyone, if they can, to give to the local charity of their choice. If you’re not sure where you want your money to go, United Way is cranking up soon and they distribute to many very worthy and needy Valley organizations.
The good news is that we had gotten to the point where it was very difficult to find a bonafide 501c3 to raise money for, which hadn’t already received money from our regular Sun Fun Run sponsors. That’s because those sponsors are already giving to these groups. So it was a good problem to have these past two years.
We haven’t decided if we’re going to breath new life into the run in 2010. It’s a lot of work for a nominal amount of money. We’ll see how our local economy improves and check with our regular sponsors on their desires.
Those of you who have called to help or donate, we thank you sincerely. You’re the ones who make it all worth the thankless toil.