Home Run 5K raises over $10,000 for local Methodist Home

Published 3:21 pm Saturday, June 10, 2017

By MICHAEL MURRAY

AMERICUS – The fifth annual Home Run 5K Fun Run for the Methodist Home for Youth and Children was held on June 3 in Americus.
66 charitably-minded running enthusiasts participated in the event, raising over $10,000 for the noble cause.
In the overall women’s division of the race, Kimberly Dove took first place honors, followed closely by Sharon Steelman and Clarissa Cadogan in second and third places, respectively. In the overall men’s category, Wright Calhoun took top honors, followed closely by Jaren Hill and Logan Collins in second and third places, respectively.
Charlene Pennymon won first place in the female master’s division and Chad Bell brought home the top prize in the male master’s category.

SUBMITTED BY JOHNNY FERGUSON:
The top three overall finishers and in both the men’s and women’s divisions, as well as the masters overall male and female winners were awarded certificates at the completion of the race..

Following the event, Judy Tott, president of the Americus Auxiliary told the Times-Recorder, “We are so thankful for all of our sponsors, race participants, and volunteers who contribute each year to make our race a success. We raised over $10,000 this year to support the work of the Home in Americus. Our precious teenage girls are the beneficiaries of the race and the funds raised will be used for family dinners, educational trips, movie nights, and a kitchen renovation at the cottage.”
The yearly race is held in honor of Jay Williams, a friend of the Methodist Home. Rebecca Ferguson and Travis Kelly, friends of Jay, organize the event each year with the help of the Methodist Home Americus Auxiliary.
The mission of the Methodist Home is to restore childhoods and strengthen families. The Americus campus provides residential care and support for girls ages 13 to 17.
Robert Parks, of Edward Jones, was a premiere sponsor for the event. Gold sponsors for the event included; Sumter County DFCS, Southwest Georgia Farm Credit, Williams Warehouse, WALB News, Clinic Drug Store, Agrium, Southwest Georgia Children’s Alliance, Americus Times Recorder, Citizens Bank of Americus, and Parker’s Heating and Air Conditioning. Silver sponsors for the event included; Austin Urethane, Center for Educational Adventure, Covenant Construction, Edward D. Jones/Mark Hayes, First State Bank, Global Graphics, Dr. Kristin Collier, Drs. Lou and Alex Riccardi, Leatherbrook Holsteins, Regional Eye Center, and Williams-Pitts Oil Company.
About the Methodist Home: Founded in 1872 in Macon, the Home serves children, youth and families in crisis. Residential campuses in Americus, Columbus, St. Mary’s, Macon, Valdosta and Waverly Hall serve 130 children and youth. The Home also serves another 400 families with community based services through its Lighthouse for Families program.
For more information about the Methodist Home visit themethodisthome.org or call 1-229-924-9550.

SUBMITTED BY JOHNNY FERGUSON:
Cindy Williams (left), mother of Jay Williams (1980-2012), and Alison Evans (right), President/CEO of The Methodist Home, pause for a photo after the race was completed. The race is held annually in memory of Jay Williams..