When you run, there is always a reason. Any number of reasons can drive you, but one of the best is when you run for a cause bigger than yourself. That is what motivated a number of generous people to climb out of their warm beds early on Saturday, July 14, 2012. Their support for The Brown Center for Autism’s annual Race Across the Spectrum 5k allows the center to continue to provide families with comprehensive services such as speech, occupational, and language development for their children with Autism.
Many volunteers that were involved were there from every step of the way, including on Friday a race packet pick up at the Cool Springs Sport Seasons. The volunteers worked throughout the day to insure that race participants were taken care of with a smile. The following day there were many more volunteers helping support the race and silent auction.
On the Center’s Facebook page, Juli C. Liske writes, “2012 “Race Across the Spectrum” fundraising totals; AFTER all event expenses were fully covered by our generous event sponsors, a total of $21,112.81 was raised by this year’s event. 100% of which supports our direct services to our children. A BIG thank you to all our runners, sponsors, and donors! Our beautiful kids are what it’s all about!”
The race itself saw runners from as far away as Indiana and Florida as well as many local supporters. The largest team of runners was Team Turner with 63 participants. The top finisher overall was Jacob Carrigan from Antioch, TN with a time of 16:29 (men’s 30-34 division). Sport Seasons Gift cards were part of top finishers’ prizes.
Seeing what the event does for these families living with the effects Autism in their lives, we hope to continue to support the race. Sport Seasons would like to thank The Brown Center for Autism for allowing us to participate for a great cause.