PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The fourth annual Safe Homes Aroostook 5K will take place on Sunday, May 1, 2016 from 1-3 p.m., starting at Gentile Hall at the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
This joint-fundraiser benefits both Hope & Justice Project and Homeless Services of Aroostook. The 5K is a timed, yet family-friendly event that raises awareness and funds for the two non-profit organizations that work to ensure safe homes for everyone in Aroostook County.
Representatives from both organizations, in addition to members of the greater UMPI community, gathered recently to fine tune the details of the event. This event is open to community members of all ages and there are many ways to get involved.
Participants who pre-register online are guaranteed a free event t-shirt. Registration is $20 per participant. Children under 12 can participate for free and do not need to register unless they would like an event T-shirt. On Sunday,, doors will open at Gentile Hall at noon for those who would like to register in person and for pre-registrants to check in and pick up their shirts. Businesses and groups are encouraged to form teams, raise funds together and challenge other groups to do the same.
Participants can now register online at www.safehomesaroostook.org. Additionally, if someone would like to specify what team they are a part of and reserve their T-shirt size, they can email the information to safehomes@aroostookhomeless.org.
Volunteers are also needed the day of the event to help direct traffic and hand out water, cake and other giveaways. Anyone interested in volunteering should email Casey Faulkingham at casey@hopeandjusticeproject.org.
Local businesses and organizations can sponsor the event at the $200 or $500 level. When a group becomes a 2016 event sponsor at the $200 level, their professional logo is displayed on the Safe Homes Aroostook website and their name is seen on the event T-shirt and signage.
When a group becomes a 2016 sponsor at the $500 level, their professional logo is displayed on the event website and the event T-shirt.
“We are happy to say that Northern Business Products, Thompson-Hamel, LLC, UMPI and TAMC have all come on board as $500 level sponsors so far,” said Faulkingham, who is the Prevention and Training Coordinator for Hope & Justice Project. “We are hoping that a few more businesses will join as sponsors and even consider sending a team to participate at the event.”
Donations of any amount are accepted as well as contributions of items and merchandise for door prizes. Checks can be made out and sent to Safe Homes Aroostook, PO Box 1753, Presque Isle, ME 04769.
For more information, visit the event website at www.safehomesaroostook.org.
