information from the White Center CDA

The White Center Community Development Association (CDA) is partnering with the YES Foundation of White Center and the White Center Food Bank to host the third annual White Center 5K Walk & Run. This community event will take place on March 28, 2014 from 9:00am to 11:00am at White Center Heights Park. Like the previous year, this will be another Superhero Run and all participants are encouraged to dress up as their favorite superheroes.

The 5K has an official start time of 9:00am with registration beginning at 8:00am. Following the completion of the race there will be an award ceremony to recognize the fastest runners in each age group. The registration cost is based on the age of the participant. It will be free for kids 5 years old or younger, $5 for 6-12 years old, $25 for participants aged 13 through 18, $30 for people between the ages of 19 and 54, and $25 for those aged 55 and up. All proceeds from the event will benefit the White Center CDA, the YES Foundation of White Center, and the White Center Food Bank.

Over 400 people participated in 2014 and similar numbers of participants are expected to walk and run at this year’s event. Like in year’s past the 5K will begin and end at White Center Height’s Park but the route will change in 2015. Instead of going through the Evergreen High School (EHS) Campus, the route will take runners around the school and the new Greenbridge housing development.

“The Integrated Learning Center at Evergreen High School has been a part of the White Center 5K since the beginning,” says Micah Gronvold who is a teacher at the local Tech High School. Along with Elle Parsons of HS3 High School also on the EHS Campus, the two of them will be bringing student groups to walk and run the 5K. “It does different things for each student; for some it is something to look forward to, for some it is a reason for P.E. as we train as part of our class, and for some it is the pride they get from completing the 5K,” adds Parsons. “This is one of our favorite events of the year!”

In addition to a free White Center 5K T-shirt, this event will provide attendees with free Starbucks drip Coffee and a light breakfast. Also on site there will be music and informational booths from local organizations including sponsor US Bank. Following the race 5K attendees can receive discounts at participating local businesses for the week following the event.

Those interested in attending can sign up by visiting the White Center 5K registration page at whitecenter5k.brownpapertickets.com or visit http://www.facebook.com/WhiteCenter5kWalkRun for more information.

The mission of the White Center Community Development Association is to promote a vibrant neighborhood and high quality of life for White Center residents and stakeholders through the development of authentic leadership opportunities and community-led, neighborhood initiatives. This is accomplished through three lines of business: neighborhood revitalization, family development, and community building.

The YES Foundation of White Center exists to address the social, economic, educational, physical, and spiritual needs of youth in the White Center area. By developing programs and partnering with other organizations, they provide kids with positive role models and powerful life experiences to encourage their hope and vision for the future.

The White Center Food Bank (WCFB) began in the mid-1970’s as an emergency response to assist struggling families and individuals in the greater White Center and Highline areas during a major economic downturn. The Mission of the White Center Food Bank is to minimize hunger, while nourishing community, nurturing self-reliance and embracing our rich cultural diversity.

For more information please contact Tony Vo at Whitecenter5k@gmail.com