I’m normally a stickler for only reporting on Cool Springs news and events, but this race/walk event deserves special mention and support. The race/walk on Saturday is organized by CASA and the Nashville Striders. CASA stands for “Court Appointed Special Advocates” for children and is an extremely important event that raises money and brings attention to abused and neglected children in Nashville.
I strongly urge everyone to attend and support this event and these kids.
Registration is at 6am and races start at 7:30am, here is the press release from CASA-
10th Annual Shelby Bottoms Boogie Race to Benefit CASA
Race Features 15K & 5K Distances, Post-Race Festivities for Runners and Families
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) September 15, 2009 – Early in the morning on the last Saturday in September, hundreds of runners and walkers will lace up their shoes and hit the road for a fun day in the park and a great cause. Completing either the 15K or 5K race, each participant will enjoy a beautiful, flat course along the Cumberland River, along with the knowledge that they are making a big difference for children in need right here in Nashville. The 10th Annual Shelby Bottoms Boogie race, held on September 26th at Shelby Park in East Nashville, will raise critical funds for CASA of Nashville, a local nonprofit organization that provides trained volunteer advocates for children who have been victims of abuse or neglect.
“By advocating for these children, we hope to find each of them a safe, permanent home where they are safe from the cycle of abuse,” says Jenny Magill, a CASA volunteer and Public Relations Associate for the Nashville non-profit. “Children who have been abused and then placed in foster care become victims for a second time – lost in an overburdened system that cannot pay close attention to each child whose life is in limbo. We ensure that the child makes it to a safe, stable home instead of falling through the cracks of the bureaucracy.”
Winding along the Cumberland River on the Shelby Bottoms Greenway, the race course will be dotted with life-size cutouts of foster children to cheer on the racers. These images and the messages they hold are part of the National CASA “Forgotten Children” initiative, featured on the Dr. Philshow and promoted by psychologist Dr. Phil McGraw.
Along with a reminder of the cause behind the race, runners and walkers will enjoy a post-race celebration featuring refreshments provided by Calypso Café, Bongo Java Coffee, and VitaminWater, along with free massages, music, numerous door prizes, and awards to top runners in each age group and overall race winners. All participants will also receive complimentary tote bags stuffed with vendor samples and other goodies, and all pre-registered racers will also receive a 10th anniversary commemorative race t-shirt.
Race registration is currently available online through the link at www.casa-nashville.org/ShelbyBottomsBoogieforCASA.htm. Registration forms are also available at CASA’s office at 601 Woodland St. or at GYM 5 at 952 Main St., both located in East Nashville. Race day registration begins at 6:00am at the Riverview Shelter in Shelby Park, with races starting at 7:30am. Pre-registration (by September 25) for either the 5K or 15K race is $27, and race day registration is $30.
For more information about the Shelby Bottoms Boogie race, contact: 615.425.2383 or jmagill@casa-nashville.org.
CASAprovides trained community volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children who come to the attention of the court primarily as a result of abuse or neglect. CASA’s mission is to expedite the process through which these abused and neglected children find permanent, safe homes. Staffed almost entirely by non-paid volunteers, CASA makes a real difference in the lives of children at risk. Last year, CASA volunteers made a difference in the lives of over 500 children in the Nashville area. For more information about CASA, visit www.casa-nashville.org.
The Shelby Bottoms Boogie is coordinated by the Nashville Striders, the largest running club in Middle Tennessee with over 1,000 members. For more information on the Nashville Striders, please visit www.nashvillestriders.com.
CASA Contact: Jenny Magill w/ CASA of Nashville 615-425-2383 ext. 12 jmagill@casa-nashville.org
Nashville Striders Contact: Peter Pressman w/ Nashville Striders 615-293-8862 pasta4run@aol.com
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