For 20 years, Quincy Medical Group’s (QMG) Bridge the Gap to Health Race has brought people from near and far together to support local patients in affording life-saving medication. This year, people gathered virtually, as concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic prevented an in-person event.
Proceeds from this year’s virtual event are donated by the QMG Foundation to the Quincy Catholic Charities’ MedAssist Program. On June 25, the QMG Foundation presented a check totaling just over $37,000 to representatives from Quincy Catholic Charities. In the 20 years since the race began, the event has raised more than $840,000 for MedAssist which has been used to access more than 55,000 prescriptions.
Walkers and runners throughout the area were able to get involved virtually this year by participating in the 5K, 10K, or half marathon. Mercantile Bank also held an option for kids with the Paul Arndt Virtual Kids Fun Run.
Laura Tenhouse, Director of Community Relations with QMG, said in a year when so many are facing hardships, moving forward with the race virtually was important.
“Bridge the Gap is a unique race experience that brings health and community together. Even though we weren’t able to gather together physically this year, our community amazed us with their support,” Tenhouse said. “Participants ran or walked from wherever they were to help those who rely on the MedAssist program for their life-saving prescriptions.”
Quincy Catholic Charities Area Director Jackie Bruns said “Quincy Catholic Charities is humbled to accept the proceeds from the Bridge the Gap to Health Race for the 20th year. What a testament these last 20 years have been to the support and dedication our community has to take care of one another and to promote a healthy lifestyle. This fundraiser is not only a blessing to Quincy Catholic Charities, but to each and every client that has received assistance in obtaining life-sustaining medications for their chronic illness. ” Bruns said. “We are so grateful to Quincy Medical Group, all the major sponsors, the race participants, and the dedicated volunteers for ‘bridging the gap’ for so many people in our community. Rain, fog, sleet, and now a pandemic, haven’t stopped us.”
Proceeds from the event come from a combination of registration fees, donations, and sponsors. Sponsors of this year’s race were Dot Foods, Blessing Health System, WGEM, Adams County Medical Society Alliance, Bank of Springfield, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Herald-Whig, SIU Family Medicine Center, Mercantile Bank, Quincy Recycle, State Street Bank, Townsquare Media (Y101 & Kick FM), and Winter’s Insurance.
The 2021 race is set for May 15, 2021. For more information about Bridge the Gap to Health Race, visit www.bridgethegaptohealth.com.