The fourth annual Reindeer Run will benefit NorthCare programs for children.
By Shawn S. Lealos
Northcare Reindeer Run
9:30 a.m. saturday northcare 4436 nwW. 50th www.northcare.com 858-2831 $20
Dig your wildest socks out of your dresser drawer Saturday morning and head out to run and raise money for Oklahoma children.
All proceeds from the fourth annual Reindeer Run benefit the NorthCare nonprofit treatment facility.
“We’re going to have prizes and giveaways,” said Jennifer Arlan, NorthCare director of marketing and communications. “The theme this year is Crazy Socks.”
Not only is the event a fun time out for the family, but the money raised goes to a good cause.
Every year in Oklahoma, more than 2,000 children are affected by abuse, neglect and mental illness. That is where NorthCare comes in. Incorporated in 1980, it offers outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment services to children and families impacted by trauma.
“We needed a way to raise unrestricted funds for our children’s services,” Arlan said. “We provide individual counseling to kids who have any kind of behavioral or mental health issue, whether that is acting out in class to much more severe mental illness. We have a mobile crisis service, as well, that is 24/7.”
The race includes 5k and 10k events, and a free Reindeer Dash for kids. Santa Claus will make an appearance.
The Oklahoma City Running Club, aka the Land Runners, has selected the run as part of the group’s 10k race series. Prizes for the top three winners in each age group will be awarded.
“All proceeds from the race will benefit crisis counseling for children,” said Lisa Macias, “and support is greatly appreciated.”
Runners can register online or at NorthCare.
“I think it has been a huge impact having the Land Runners’ support [the race] and that is why it has grown to the level it has,” Arlan said. “We had around 400 runners last year, and we hope to have even more this year.”
This article appears in Nov 21-27, 2012.
