TO GIVE, TO INSPIRE | Batavia United Way Bat Race 5K/10K Supports Community Programs & More

OCTOBER 28, SATURDAY

LAST YEAR OVER 700 RUNNERS AND WALKERS PARTICIPATED IN THIS FUN COMMUNITY EVENT FOR A CAUSE

BATAVIA– If you happen to be strolling near the Fox River Trail in Batavia the morning of Saturday, October 28th and notice not one, not two, but many adults and children in costumes running down the trail, you have inadvertently stumbled upon a decade long favorite city event, the Batavia United Way’s Bat 5K/10K Race. Last year, over 700 runners and walkers joined in for this ultimate Halloween-themed race event including a chip-timed USATF-certified race, Kids’ Fun Run, costume awards and family fun Bat Fest post-race. Funds raised from this event support the many community programs of the Batavia United Way.

“In the last five years, Batavia United Way has awarded over a half-million dollars to area nonprofit agencies,” says Kathy Evangelista, Executive Director of the Batavia United Way. “We support Batavia residents in the focus areas of health, education and income stability.” In addition to these community impact grants, Batavia United Way works to support the community through volunteer events, such as the annual leaf-raking, bringing in and funding Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for children, and the holiday Adopt-A-Family program. Their annual race is one of their more popular events and builds a sense of community. Batavia High School organizations do a wonderful job with helping staff the event, so the youngsters participating see the ‘big kids’ helping and aspire to do the same when they get older.

“I love the sense of community that Batavia United Way is about- whether it be students, families, individuals, local business, local nonprofits, seniors, veterans or anyone in-between – we become UNITED together,” says Evangelista. “Their new campaign theme is “Raise Your Hand” to encourage the community to raise their hands to donate, advocate or volunteer. For more information on participating in the Bat Race, or for volunteer opportunities and donations, visit their website at www.bataviaunitedway.org

Photos by Katie O'Brien Photography

ABOUT THE WRITER

Mindy Kyle is passionate about helping people discover what brings them joy and to live a full, healthy and happy life. She has her Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from DePaul University and is a veteran of Chicago’s theater and commercial world as well as a graduate of the Second City Improv School. Mindy lives in Naperville with her husband, three children and the cutest dogs in the land.