Thank You For Supporting Second HSJ Run/Walk

Todd Grimes suggested we try a run/walk last year to raise money for “HSJ Online” and to support the Hauser Athletic Department, and he was very much a key to the event's success. When Todd informed me that He would be unable to help out at the second one due to health problems, I had thoughts of canceling it. After more thought, I knew we had to do the event again for several reasons with one being to honor Todd.

There were 40 runners/walkers that registered and 57 shirts purchased. (Jimmy and Ruthie Horton ordered shirts to wear in Florida. If moving from Winter Haven, they would move to Hope! My mom, Lida Webster, 93, purchased a shirt and pedaled from her chair that day. Two of my mom's friends in Lovett, Donnie and Theresa Brewer of Brewer Livestock, purchased shirts and then proudly wore them for another run/walk in Oregon.) Avery Tallent and Sally Webster provided music which added to the friendly atmosphere. The cloudy day likely kept some away. Fortunately, the rain did not hit until toward the end with only a few runners/walkers still on the course. I offered to pick them up, but they waved me away seemingly glad for some relief on a hot and humid day. Jessica Brown, one of our team members, promptly opened her umbrella and stayed at her post off of State Road 9.

Like all events, you must have wonderful help. A special thank you is extended to FRHC School Board, Shaw Price (Superintendent), JB Royer (Transportation/Facilities Director), and Tyler Phillips (Athletic Director) as well as the Hope Police Department. Mr. Royer and his crew took care of a large tree down in a key place on the course and a ditch. The ditch had developed after the previous run/walk, and JB kindly brought straw from his home and spread it on the fresh and moist dirt in that area to make sure participants had traction.

Corner Cafe, Gold Nugget, Special By Design, Swiss Maid, Tonala, and WiLLow LeaVes all had special offers for participants afterward if wearing their HOPE Always & Forever bracelets given to them that morning. I personally enjoyed an ice cream cone, which Ron Cornett presented with his typical joyful nature. Later, my wife and I enjoyed a filling dinner at Tonala's.

Generous donations from Rusty Brock (Medora), Hamilton Accounting, Miller Insurance, Scott & Anita Mings, Ken & Michele Seim, Aaron & MarLen Slagel (Lafayette), Dan & Jackie Tallent, and David & Lisa Webster covered all expenses resulting in a larger profit margin.

We can't thank the runners/walkers enough. The youngest participants were Rowan and Gibson Mize who enjoyed the stroller/child course, Rowan in his stroller and Gibson on his training bicycle; Paul and Carol Ashbrook were led around the main course by two of their favorite friends, Merle and Pearl; Ken Chandler, despite recent hip replacement, walked on the track with his walker and family for several laps; Bradly Dickens, a former Hauser track member and “HSJ” sports writer for Charlie Biggs, had the longest drive and raced around the course; Michele Sweet struggled to keep up with her young and energetic grandson, Declan; Brad Hamilton and his wife, Cindy, walked and stressed how they would be back next year with more family and friends; … (The stories could go on forever!)

A card is awaiting Mr. Grimes as well as a HOPE shirt and many HOPE bracelets. Scott Strietelmeier stated on the card, “Prayers for you and your family. Keep up the fight.”

Undoubtedly, Todd will fight with all his might, and we fully expect to see him at the next HSJ Online 5Kish Hope Run/Walk. And we know the Community of Hope will continue to support local news and Hauser sports as they have year after year.