By Gabby Carlson | Echo
Halloween is right around the corner. But the time to dress up is not only on Oct. 31. Tomorrow, Taylor students, faculty and community members are invited to dress up for a 5.5K run or a 1-mile walk for a cause.
The public relations Event and Venue Planning class split into groups about a month ago and were presented with organizations to choose from and plan an event for. The 55 Project stood out to senior Hope Jackson and her group members.
"Personally, I was drawn to the mission of the 55 Project because it allows people to join those in Haiti who are already doing good work at the orphanage and come alongside their efforts in a way that is beneficial," Jackson said.
The 55 Project started with Pastor Rigaud Antoine by chance. In 2003, he and his wife encountered two girls, and upon discovering their mother could no longer take care of them, the orphanage was born. The small building they live in once housed as many as 106 orphans, but now 55 remain, according their website.
Junior group member Plenseh-Tay Saukeuh was a part of the promotion work for the event. It ranged from posters and Facebook posts to advertising with local businesses. They also utilized the Taylor University Twitter and put a slide up in chapel.
The goal of this project is to raise $1,000 for each of the 55 children in the home in hopes of a better future for them. Chick-fil-A operator at The Crossing and Broad Ripple locations in Indianapolis, Jeff Mosley, has agreed to partner with the Antoine family. These locations are offering 52 free meals to anyone who raises $1,000 or more for the fundraiser.
Taylor's event planning team has partnered with Chick-fil-A and has taken to fundraising through the means of a 5.5K and 1-mile family friendly walk. The walk is mostly for the children who participate, and there will be stations throughout with volunteers handing out candy. The walk will be held around campus.
The 5.5K run will begin at the LaRita Boren Campus Center and loop through the streets of Upland. All participants pay an entry fee of $5 for individuals and $10 for families. The race will begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude with apple cider and donuts.
Sophomore group member Kylee Sosa is encouraged by the community involvement. Businesses in Upland have been supportive through donations of their services and funds.
If you would like to get involved, but are unavailable at the time of the event, donations are welcomed of any amount through their website.
