information from WCCDA

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 fourth annual White Center 5K Walk & Run. The 5K will take place on Saturday, March 26, 2016 from 9:00am to 11:00am at White Center Heights Park. This will be a 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 6 years old or younger, $25 for 7-18 years old, $35 for participants aged 19 through 59, and $25 for those aged 55 and up. All proceeds from the event will benefit the White Center CDA, YES Foundation of White Center, and White Center Food Bank.

For the second year the White Center 5K will be honoring a local Superhero who is making a positive impact in the community. This year’s Superhero is Patrick Robinson of the West Seattle Herald/White Center News.

Patrick grew up in the newspaper business after his father Jerry Robinson purchased the White Center News in 1952. Pat has done every job you can do at a newspaper from working at the press, to delivering papers, taking pictures, writing stories and covering breaking news. Pat also oversaw the transition of the company to the internet once Robinson Newspapers grew to include the Highline Times/Des Moines News, the West Seattle Herald and the Ballard News Tribune. Pat also worked as an independent consultant for northwest video production companies and later worked in Hollywood for Carsey Werner Productions (That 70’s Show, Third Rock from the Sun, and Roseanne) to establish their internet presence. Pat came back to the newspapers in 2005 to manage their internet functionality. Pat set up and continues to manage the many social media platforms for the Herald/News.

Pat is a songwriter, photographer, videographer, poet, and enjoys music, films, food, and friends. He’s married and lives in West Seattle where he has regularly covered stories important to the White Center Area.

Over 400 people participated in 2015 and similar numbers of participants are expected to walk and run at this year’s event. 2016 will bring a slight change in the route to encompass both White Center Heights Elementary and the Evergreen High School Campus as well as the new Greenbridge Housing Development. Like in year’s past the 5K will begin and end at White Center Height’s Park.

In addition to a free White Center 5K T-shirt, this event will provide attendees with free coffee and a light breakfast. Also on site will be music and informational booths from local organizations including Premier Sponsor US Bank as well as Washington State Charters School Association. Following the race, 5K attendees can receive discounts at participating local businesses on March 26th.

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

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