Lawrenceburg, Ind., MAY 12, 2017 – The Dearborn Community Foundation (DCF) Youth Council raised $2,333 at its fifth annual 5K Run/Walk on April 30. The Youth Council, which is made up of high school-age youth (grades 9-12), split proceeds from the event 50-50 between Special Olympics Indiana Ripley Ohio Dearborn Counties and the DCF Youth Council Endowment Fund.

The mission of Special Olympics Indiana Ripley Ohio Dearborn Counties is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, offering them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. The DCF Youth Council Endowment Fund was established to allow the youth to raise funds and make grants to charitable causes in the community.

“The Youth Council members are a group of young people who set a fine example for folks of all ages through their philanthropy and community service,” said Fred McCarter, DCF Executive Director. “They are learning how fulfilling it is to help others. It was also great to see several Special Olympic athletes and their family members participate in the 5K.”

McCarter also thanked Youth Council Volunteer Coordinator Denise Sedler for doing a great job working with the Youth Council to make the 5K a success. “The 5K wouldn’t have been a success without Denise’s hard work with the Youth Council,” he said.

Over the last five years, the Youth Council has raised more than $16,000 to award grants to charitable causes in the community. The Youth Council’s endowment fund at DCF is currently valued at nearly $14,000.

Nearly 50 people participated as volunteers and as 5K runners/walkers during the April 17 DCF Youth Council 5K Run/Walk. Sedler said the Foundation and DCF Youth Council greatly appreciates those who participated and the kind support of the following fine race sponsors:

GOLD SPONSORS
Aurora Lions Club
Haag Ford Sales
Ivy Tech Community College
UCB Charitable Foundation
Douglas Ruter, DDS
SILVER SPONSORS
Lawrenceburg Kiwanis Club
Oyler Family Dentistry

BRONZE SPONSORS
Bright Veterinary Clinic
Dearborn County 4-H
Dearborn County Hospital
Home Furniture
Roger Lake Trucking

The DCF Youth Council also thanks the other 5K sponsors: Back to Health Chiropractic, Denmure Law Office and Greendale Cinema!