Home | Community Impact |

United Way of Portage County
Contact: Kathy Baker, Director of Marketing & Communications
Phone: 330-297-1424, ext. 113
kathyb@uwportage.org

Davey Tree Expert Company to Sponsor United Way of Portage County's
3^RD Annual 5K/10K Race Fundraiser

Ravenna (June 21, 2006) - United Way of Portage County is pleased to announce that its 3^rd annual 5K/10K Race & 1-mile Fun Walk fundraiser, will take place on Saturday, July 1, 2006, in downtown Kent, in conjunction with the city’s Heritage Festival. Lead sponsor of the event is The Davey Tree Expert Company. Other key sponsors include the Record Publishing Company, Allen Aircraft Company, PARTA, Kent State University, Deluxe Business Services, AT&T and Dr. Stephen Belli.

Additional sponsors include Huntington Bank, Portage Community Bank, Twin Lakes Country Club, Paul’s Do It Best Lumber, Robinson Memorial Hospital, Don Joseph Toyota, Home Savings Bank, Dr. Peter Chen, Eat N Park Restaurants, Vertical Runner, HMA, Pizza Hut and Star of the West Milling Company.

The running course follows a 5K loop through the downtown and surrounding area, beginning at Kent’s Masonic Temple (10K runners will run the course twice). The 5K race begins at 7:30 AM, the 10K at 8:30 AM, and the the 1-mile fun walk, which features a comfortable stroll through beautiful downtown Kent and the surrounding area, at 8:30 AM.

Participants can pre-register by mail (United Way of Portage County, 122 N. Prospect Street, Ravenna, OH 44266), at the agency’s web site: www.uwportage.org, or at www.active.com. Those who pre-register (prior to June 28) will receive commemorative tee shirts; race day registrants will receive shirts as long as supplies last.

Pre-registration fees are: 5K Run: $15; 10K Run: $20; 5K and 10K Run: $25; Fun Walk: $10. Fees for those who register on race day will be: $20; $22; $27; and $12, respectively. On July 1, registration will be held from 6:30-8:15 AM. at the Masonic Temple, 409 W. Main Street.

Awards will be given to top overall male and female runner participants in both 5K and 10K races. The top three runners finishing in each age group will receive awards.

Age groups: men/women age 19 and under; 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65 and older. Other prizes and raffles will be given after the awards. The winners will be announced immediately after each race, rain or shine, at the Masonic Temple parking area.

About United Way of Portage County: United Way of Portage County is committed to helping make meaningful improvements in the lives of Portage County residents. What matters most? Saving or improving the lives of our neighbors and helping to strengthen the Portage County community.

United Way of Portage County’s funded agencies include: American Red Cross of Portage County, Big Brothers & Sisters of Portage County, Great Trail Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Greater Western Reserve Boy Scouts of America, Boys & Girls Club of Portage County, Children’s Advocacy Center, Community Legal Aid Services, Family & Community Services, Inc., The Kidney Foundation, Mobile Meals, Coleman Professional Services, The Salvation Army of Portage County, and TownHall II.

Additionally, United Way of Portage County funds the 211 Portage program, a free referral and information service, available to all Portage County residents, that connects families and individuals with a wide range of community resources and volunteer opportunities.

For further information about United Way of Portage County, please contact President/CEO Steve Kleiber, 330-297-1424, ext. 112 (email: steve@uwportage.org), or visit www.uwportage.org. United Way of Portage County: “Caring that strengthens our community, improves our lives and makes YOUR contributions count.”