By Portia Williams
WAVERLY — The Garnet A. Wilson Public Library is gearing up to host the annual Velma Engle Memorial Read for the GOLD fundraiser event on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015. The 5K run and 3K walk will be held rain or shine in Bristol Village, beginning at the Activity Center, located at 625 5th St., in Waverly.
Jennifer Wright, extension services coordinator of The Garnet A. Wilson Public Library, said the Velma Engle Memorial Read for the Gold event is an annual fundraiser for literacy in the community.
“This is a 5k run, and something that we do annually,” Wright said. “We do not have a set goal, but the money that we do raise we use to put towards literacy in the community, and to utilize it in ways that are going to best help our patrons. We are also working on a campaign for a new building, so this year’s funds might go towards that, but we are not exactly positive on that. One way or another, it is going to go towards the furtherance of literacy in the community.”
Wright also said funds from the 5k event are allocated specifically for the purchase of library books, and movies, and other materials that their patrons tend to gravitate towards. She said there are multiple ways to make a monetary contribution to the library’s fundraising effort.
“We have sponsorships, and a $200 sponsorship will guarantee the organization’s name on the back of our t-shirts, which every participant receives,” she said. “Then, we do publicity at the end, and name our sponsors also. The ones who donate, but may not be able to sponsor $200 still get mentioned in the publicity. As far as an individual, they can register if they want, for $10 before Aug. 8, and for $15 after the 8th.”
Registration and check-in begin at 7:30 a.m., with the race beginning promptly at 8:30 a.m. The registration fee is $10 if registered on or before Aug. 8, $15 if registered after Aug. 8. Participants will receive a t-shirt commemorating the event. Race registration sheets may be picked up at the Waverly, Piketon, Beaver, and Western library branches and at the Bristol Village Activity Center.
Participants may register the day of the race. Wright said they encourage everyone to participate by entering, or by coming down and cheering on those who will be competing.
The course is flat and shady through beautiful Bristol Village. Participants compete on a combination asphalt and concrete course.
According to Wright, the mission of the library is to educate, inspire, and enjoy. She said the race is a fun way to raise funds to continue their endeavor of promoting literacy within the community. For more information regarding the fundraiser or any other library service, contact the library at 740-947-4921.
Reach Portia Williams at 740-353-3101, ext. 1929, or on Twitter @PortiaWillPDT.
