Fifty-five teams are registered for Tucker Community Foundation’s annual Run For It; the largest roster since the program began in 2007. Teams representing the Foundations eight county service area, and one statewide team are competing for $85,000 in cash awards to benefit a wide variety of community causes. The 2k walk and 5k run around the Town of Davis will take place on Saturday, September 26. Twenty-eight of the teams are representing Tucker County programs, projects, and nonprofits.
PRO ONTRAC, Govcon Accountants, and New Historic Thomas support community and economic development projects. PRO ONTRAC team members, led by team captain Sydney Haltom, support revitalization efforts in Parsons. The organization is focused on renovating buildings, encouraging business development, and involving the community in downtown planning.
Team New Historic Thomas, led by Emily Wilson-Hauger, is dedicated to invigorating the City of Thomas by preserving the history, cultural heritage, and resources that make the city unique.
Team Govcon Accountants are raising support for the Tucker County Economic & Community Development (TED) Fund. The Tucker Community Foundation’s TED Fund supports activities related to job creation, job retention, and general improvements to the business climate of Tucker County.
Friends of the Blackwater and Heart of the Highlands Teams are raising operational support to enhance the outdoor playground that is Tucker County. Heart of the Highlands, led by Julie Dzaack, works closely with Tucker County public land agencies and stakeholders to create and promote a network of outstanding quality, multi-use trails and related amenities to enhance the county’s recreation and economic potential. Friends of the Blackwater and captain Monica Zabroski are seeking support for their work protecting key landscapes and watersheds, natural and human communities, and to support economic development that maximizes biodiversity and outdoor recreational opportunities for future generations.
Team Tucker Boulder Park is rocking their way into the 2015 Run For It. With Chip & Adam Chase leading the way, the team is looking for another strong finish this year to leverage grant support for the purchase of the children’s climbing boulder. The public park, located at the Davis Ball Field, will feature 3 large manufactured climbing boulders and serve as a trail head for a new section of bike trail that connects with the proposed rail trail.
The Tucker County Youth Softball Team, steered by Janelle Paul, is racing to raise funds to purchase equipment and help offset travel expenses. Jay Hamric is leading the Davis Baseball / Softball Field Project Team to fund future enhancements at the Davis Ball Field.
Several teams are raising support to strengthen emergency service providers in the county. Led by Sandy Green, Team TACTICS will use their proceeds to provide world-class training to local first responders. Deerfield 74, under the direction of Anne Cecilia Smith, supports the Zabriskie Canaan Valley Volunteer Fire Department (CVVFD) Fund. Kathy Kahler, team captain for the Tucker County EMS team, hopes to raise money for a life pack to provide state of the art vital sign monitoring, EKG’s, and defibrillation for their patients. Ray LaMora is leading the charge for Canaan Valley Ski Patrol to raise operational support that benefits emergency services at Canaan Valley State Park. CVVFD Auxiliary Power Team, piloted by Diane Beall, will use its proceeds to build an endowment that supports the Canaan Valley Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary.
Davis Thomas Elementary Middle School Parent Teacher Organization is seeking support to replace the old bleachers in the gym. Team Captain Tina Bonner is looking to raise the stakes after winning close to $2,000 at last year’s race.
Library teams from around the region are strong contenders in the program. Back in full force, two teams from Tucker County will support local libraries. The Five Rivers Public Library Explorers, led by Rebecca Moore, are raising awareness and operational support.
Ivonne Martinez, effervescent leader of the Mountaintop Readers, has helped raise more than $51,000 through the Run For It program to support the Mountaintop Public Library. 25% of their 2015 proceeds will go to library operations and 75% will go to the library’s fund for a new building.
Teams looking to support and provide unique educational opportunities are Team EB3 and Mountain Laurel Learning Cooperative (MLLC). Back for their third year, MLLC is looking to up their game. Team Captain Shannon McCann and team members are raising operational support. MLLC works to inspire children to become joyful, life-long scholars and engaged, compassionate citizens in their community. Team EB3, honors the memory of Ellis Boury III by raising support for an endowment advancing the education or development of creative or technical writing that promotes the humanities, social responsibility, tolerance, and social introspection.
Tucker County is known for its vibrant arts community and three teams are dedicated to keeping it that way. WV Highlands Artisan Group led by Titi Ferguson is working hard to improve arts awareness and education for all age groups in Tucker County by raising support for Artspring Festival, STArt (a juried art show for all Tucker school students), Tucker County school art departments, and the WV Highlands Artisan Group endowment.
Fresh Canvas, returning for their 7th year, has managed to come out in the top 10 every year. Team captain Glenda Easton is recruiting team members and support to build the Garrett “Dutch” Easton Fund supporting arts education in Tucker County Schools.
Alpine Heritage Preservation (AHP), led by Emma Donovan, is dedicated to restoring the historic Cottrill’s Opera House and supporting fine arts and artists here in Tucker County.
Team Hannah led by the Friend Family, supports the Hannah Friend Memorial Fund of the Community Bible Church providing church camp scholarships to local children. Chopper Evans is leading Team Eastern Mountains Young Life; proceeds will help send teens to Young Life activities. WV Mountain Ministries and team captain Brad Spencer are raising support for outreach programs for area resorts, the Sportsman’s Supper and Wilderness Survival Training.
OES Walter Allstars and the Billie G. Armstrong Fund Teams are both dedicated to supporting members of the community. The Billie G. Armstrong Fund team, led by Phoebe Mollard, is committed to helping pregnant moms in need of assistance during and after pregnancy. Team captain Cindy Harman is guiding the OES Walter Allstars to raise support that will provide aid, comfort, protection, and companionship for those in need in the area.
Lois Nelson and the Cortland Challengers are racing to benefit the residents of Cortland Acres. Cortland Acres aims to help people age in healthy, affordable, and meaningful ways.
Team Captain Karen Linton and Cruisin’ Critters are racing to endow the Mountaineer Humane Society Fund. Cruisin’ Critters provides spay and neuter vouchers for companion animals in Tucker County. The Mountaineer Humane Society team has raised close to $4,000 in the past 3 years.
Since 2009, the Tucker County Commission has motivated participation of local teams by generously rewarding the top five Tucker County teams based on their efforts to leverage additional support and recruit team members. Other counties have followed suit; this year six county commissions are presenting cash awards totaling $18,000 to their respective teams.
Run For It is held on the streets of Davis during Leaf Peepers Festival. The 2k walk and 5k run starts and finishes in front of the Davis Volunteer Fire Department on Rt. 32. Team photos start at 10am, race line up starts at 10:50 and the racers are out of the gate at 11am. Awards are announced at 1pm. Racers can enjoy music, craft vendors, food and other festivities. Since 2007, Run For It has generated more than $775,000 to benefit community causes throughout the region.
Register now to join the race. Team sponsor donations help teams leverage additional support, and donors can support multiple teams. Register or donate online at www.raceroster.com/4874. Entry forms, team sponsor coupons, and other information are available at www.tuckerfoundation.net/run. For more information, call 304.259.5008.
