On April 29, participants hit the pavement for a good cause for the third annual Pike County Crazy 8 5K Run/Walk in Pittsfield. As a result of the event, $3,452.13 was raised on behalf of the Quincy Medical Group Healthcare Foundation to benefit the Pikeland Snack Packs program. The supplementary food program provides bags of snacks and light meals for students over the weekend when students don’t have access to school meals.
Deanna Rinehart, President of Board of Directors of Pikeland Snack Packs, said the funds will almost double the amount of students they are able to serve this upcoming school year. “We are blessed to have had this support from the community, businesses, and friends,” Rinehart said. “Their support allows us to assist families struggling to provide food for their children.” Future plans for the program include expansion to all grade levels, and Rinehart said support from the Crazy 8 race puts them one step closer to that goal.
In the past, proceeds from the event have benefitted Lowry Park in Pittsfield with a purchase of fitness equipment and the development of a community basketball court in Nebo. Brandi Ruzich, QMG Physical Therapist and Race Coordinator, says the goal for the event is to benefit all of Pike County. “This event is a great way to support organizations and programs that make an impact on our community members not just in Pittsfield, but throughout the county,” she said.
Looking ahead to next year, Ruzich said plans are already in motion for next year. “Each year when it’s over, we look ahead to the next year and see ho
w we can make it even bigger and better.”
The success of the donation comes from a combination of registration fees, donations and sponsors. Sponsors of this year’s race were Quincy Medical Group Healthcare Foundation, Area Disposal, Casey’s General Store, CASSCOMM, Central State Bank, DOT Foods, Farmer’s National Bank of Griggsville, Green Acres Hotel, Illinois Rural Electric Cooperative, Logan Agri-Service, Inc., MECO Engineering, Pike County Express, Speckhart-White Dental, The Farmers Bank, United Community Bank, International Eye-Care Center, Neal Tire and Auto, Casteels Color Wheel, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Pine Lake, and Auto-Owners Insurance. In-kind donors were Save-A-Lot, County Market, CNB Bank & Trust, Flowers-N-More, Shear Envy, Mefford Chiropractic Center, Pike County Lumbar, Pizza Hut, The Picket Fence, Lanhum Chiropractic, and Dairy Ripple.