Blue Needs You 8K Attracts 500+ Particpants; Raises over $40,000
SARATOGA SPRINGS – The third annual Blue Needs You 8K race and Kids Fun Run to benefit Saratoga Springs’ Code Blue emergency shelter took place on Saturday morning, April 15, at High Rock Park. The morning chill did nothing to dampen the sprits of the participants, organizers and volunteers – including one snowperson who made a celebrity guest appearance.
Over 500 people of all ages and sizes ran, walked, pushed strollers or got pushed in strollers. Nearly all of them were wearing footwear of some sort. A notable exception to this was Mark Bertrand, a co-founder of The Giving Circle (with his wife Kelly), who decided to leave his home. Mark posted this explanation:
” As you may know I {{ran}} barefoot, for all who suffer for all our homeless friends and the over 300 MILLION people world wide who can not afford shoes. My feet are not pleased with me at the moment but that will pass and they will feel better, their suffering will ease. For far too many of the worlds population there is little to no easing of their suffering. BUT because of people like you there is for them hope and for many an easing of suffering and a better life.”
Afterwards, organizers said that the morning’s event raised $40,000 for the operating budget of Code Blue. While this is a significant contribution to this budget, it should be noted that the needs of a facility such as this are ongoing.
Code Blue will be breaking ground on a new facility later this spring on Walworth Street, which will be funded by a generous contribution from Ed and Lisa Mitzen (see Post from February 15 “Brighter Days Ahead…”). A new facility will need many furnishings and supplies, however.
Thus, while there was much to celebrate about Saturday’s race day, another race – longer, and ongoing, continues. Yet, the people who do the hard work connected with this deserve a chance to celebrate and commemorate an important milestone, for buildings don’t get built without individual bricks being laid.
Arthur Gonick
April 16, 2017
Photos Provided by Shelters of Saratoga
