It was a wet and chilly day, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of runners and walkers at the 2018 Running for Hearts 5K Family Fun Run and Walk on Saturday, April 7 at Windwood Presbyterian Church! The community came together to support local trauma survivors including those affected by human trafficking, abuse, crime, war, and natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey.
“If someone in our community of any age has experienced trauma, Shield Bearer is the place that helps healing take place,” stated race sponsor Esther Halford of Halford Busby Construction Consultants. “Shield Bearer helps families heal and find hope again. That’s why this race is so important and why I wholeheartedly support it.”
Runners and walkers of all ages warmed up with the coaches of Iron Tribe Fitness and local DJ KLS Entertainment before a timed, trail style 5K and 1-mile family walk. Kids enjoyed activities like face painting, fire truck tours, egg relays, photos with the Chick-fil-A cow, and a giant inflatable soccer goal from Sport Quest. “We love how Shield Bearer is helping families and had such a great time being part of this event. It was a privilege to be involved,” stated Jim Spence, Sports Quest founder and a medal winner in the race.
Over fifty volunteers including teens from local Cy Fair ISD and Klein ISD helped with set up, activities, cheering, and planning the event. “It really is a labor of love for our volunteers. Many of them have been working on this race for months. They do it because they want struggling families right here in Northwest Houston to have access to counseling services and educational programs. They know their support helps change lives for the better,” stated Shield Bearer Associate Director Melissa Rotholz.
Over three dozen local businesses joined in the fun this year, many offering prizes and discounts for race attendees. Race sponsors included Avanti Senior Living, Halford Busby Construction Consultants, Action Specialties, Tonya and John Frye, Kintegrity Development Services, Lindsay’s Light, Kroger, Windwood Presbyterian Church, Misfit Design Group, Amegy Bank, Fox Focus Photography, Iron Tribe Fitness, Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, Chick-fil-A, Proline Supply Company, Sprouts, HEB, and Sports Quest. Race day vendors included Aire Serv of Houston Northwest, Louetta Foot and Ankle Specialists, Ava Ray-Personally Poetic, The Get Together Northwest, Pure Life Family Wellness, Good Moves Properties, KoolAuf, Kim Howell-Mary Kay, Lesa Young-doTERRA, Reason 2 Race, Ducerus, Texas C.R.E.S., Brookside Funeral Home-Champions, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner R. Jack Cagle, and BioLife Plasma Services.
Shield Bearer Executive Director added, “It was wonderful to see the support of businesses, churches, and the race participants. It takes all of us working together to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors and to strengthen our community. We look forward to building this event at Windwood Church for years to come.”
For more information about getting involved at Shield Bearer, a Houston based 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides professional counseling services and programs for individuals, couples, and families, visit shieldbearer.org, call (281) 894-7222, or join them for a free community breakfast the first Tuesday of each month at 9AM at 12340 Jones Road Suite 290, Houston, TX, 77070.