Contributed by Carol Rice
The Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc., affectionately known as WASI, is busy putting together their biggest fundraiser of the year once again. Every summer for some years, WASI holds a 5K Miles 4 Meals on Wheels Fun Run, Walk or Roll event, and it’s scheduled to happen again this year on Saturday, June 22nd, on the campus of the Wasilla Senior Center. Please everyone, pray for sunshine.
The race itself has several age levels, for men and women. Just about everyone can participate: runners, walkers (with and without mobility aids), bicycles, strollers and wheel chair riders. If you’re fast enough, runners could bring home a winning 1st, 2nd or 3rd place ribbon! Remember, this is a FUN run and that means we have everyone from serious competitors to those who just want to stroll part way, then head back for lunch.
For many years, WASI handed out Miles 4 Meals T-shirts to registrants, but this year, reusable shopping bags will be given to each runner. Each bag carries the “Meals on Wheels of the Mat-Su Valley” and the WASI logo, and it will hold all sorts of prizes and goodies collected at the Fun Run. After the race, it will be a perfect shopping bag.
It is hoped that everyone who participates will dress up in bright colors, that teams will be recognized by their “team colors” because Miles 4 Meals is not just a fundraiser – it’s a Fun-raiser. A festive, happy time for all, so dress for a good time!
The trail is not difficult. It begins as usual at the WASI campus (downhill from the Senior Center) near the Gazebo. After the start, the racers will head down the bike trail to the Iditarod Headquarters, and then back. It’s a mostly flat course.
Lots of prizes will be awarded, including all sorts of gifts donated by businesses and services in the Valley and vicinity. For those people who raise money for Miles 4 Meals through sponsorships, WASI will award two certificates for 25,000 Alaska Air Miles. One will go to the participant who raises the most money, and the other will go to the winner of a drawing from all those who raised at least $100 each.
There will be a traditional burger and hot dog bar-b-que after the race, with accompanying refreshments for all the registrants to enjoy, cupcakes furnished by Verda’s Cakes ‘n Things once again, and fun for the whole family! Lunch is always a summer highlight and the good people of the Wasilla Lions Club will be helping out, serving everyone again this year.
Of course, we all enjoy a fun day, but the impact of why we do this is Immense. This is a fundraiser for WASI’s nutrition program. All Proceeds go towards continuing to feed (and visit) homebound seniors who need a nutritious meal and a frequent wellness check. Even if you can’t join us on June 22nd, would you consider making a donation to help us meet the senior’s growing need? Mark your calendars, share the event with friends and family; we’d love to have as many people as possible register, raise money and participate. Make WASI’s goal of adding 5,000 delivered meals for our seniors, or $50,000 become a reality! Together, WE CAN DO IT!
