GREENVILLE — Hundreds of runners and walkers filled Greenville City Park on Saturday as the Darke County Foundation hosted its 14th annual Sunshine 5K and 1-Mile Walk.
The event drew 655 registered participants, many of whom designated their registration fees to benefit one of seven local nonprofit organizations.
Benefiting organizations were the Cancer Association of Darke County, Darke County Pregnancy Help Center, Darke County Senior Center, DeColores Montessori School, Edison State Community College Foundation, Final Bow Center for Children’s Performing Arts and LifeWise Academy Greenville.
“Most of the participants weren’t here to run their fastest time or win a prize,” said Christy Prakel, executive director of the Darke County Foundation. “They were here because of their commitment to a cause that is important to them.”
That shared commitment was evident throughout the park as families, friends, and supporters encouraged participants along the course and welcomed them across the finish line.
“Seeing so many people in one place in a good mood is truly invigorating,” Prakel said. “Just looking around, you can sense all the qualities that make our community strong. There is joyful conversation, vibrant energy, perseverance and triumph at completing a 5K or 1-mile course.”
Participants celebrated their accomplishments with fruit, drinks, and more than 1,000 homemade cookies.
Eileen Litchfield coordinates approximately 20 volunteer bakers who supply the popular post-race treats. Many have supported the event since it was known as the Mandy Green Sunshine Run.
“These are all homemade cookies,” Litchfield said. “That’s all we have at the end of the Sunshine 5K.”
Litchfield estimated volunteers prepared between 80 and 85 dozen cookies. Among the favorites were large, cake-like cookies once baked by the late Helen Keller and now made by her daughter, Gloria Keller Brindley.
The Sunshine 5K combined fellowship and physical activity with financial support for organizations serving people throughout Darke County.
“It’s exhilarating to see hundreds of people enjoying a walk or run through our beautiful park, bettering their lives through physical fitness and friendly company,” Prakel said. “At the same time, their registration money is helping organizations that make life better for Darke County residents.”
Prakel said the organizations make a meaningful difference through education, the arts, healthy living and programs that promote residents’ well-being.
Race director Jon Hein said the event brings together people and organizations from across the county. Hein is a retired Darke County Common Pleas Court judge who continues to serve as an assigned visiting judge.
“The Darke County Foundation does a really good job,” Hein said. “It takes a lot of bodies. Twenty directors make this event go, and then the charities bring out a lot of runners. It’s good for a lot of groups in different parts of the county.”
Hein oversees the course and works with seven key volunteers who are responsible for different parts of the event.
“We like building on it every year,” Hein said. “It’s good for the community.”
For Hein, the event’s value extends beyond fundraising and fitness. It gives neighbors a chance to reconnect.
“This is the time of year I see some people for the one time all year,” Hein said. “The community has to get out and be a community. You get to be a community by mixing it up and talking.”
Holly Hill, vice president and chief marketing officer at Brethren Retirement Community and a Darke County Foundation trustee, said cooperation among volunteers, businesses and sponsors made the event successful.
“We have a great board of trustees, and it takes a lot of hands to make this event successful,” Hill said. “A lot of businesses have sponsored and donated prizes to the event. The weather was great, participation was great and we had a big crowd.”
Prakel said the foundation’s volunteer trustees dedicate many hours to organizing the annual event. Support from 100 sponsors helped the foundation raise $25,000 for local organizations.
The event’s lead sponsor was Reid Health. Major sponsors included Wayne HealthCare, Family Health and King’s Poultry Farm.
“This event shows what can happen when people come together,” Prakel said. “Participants improve their own health while supporting organizations that improve the lives of others throughout Darke County.”
