Calling All Runners and Walkers! The Panther Eye to Hold Virtual 5k Benefitting SHEF Inc.’s Backpack Program

The Panther Eye is holding a fundraising 5k to benefit SHEF’s Backpack Program.

Every week, the Sweet Home Education Foundation’s Weekend Backpack Program helps provide food to over 100 students to help them through the weekend. Ever since the pandemic began, SHEF has seen a dramatic 400% increase in the amount of families in need. To continue providing the necessary nutrition to these families, SHEF relies on support from partners and the community to help raise funds and collect food donations.

The first virtual 5k held by SHEF, the COVID Blues 5k, raised over $500 for the Backpack Program and was a success for the organization. This time, The Panther Eye has partnered with SHEF to host a second virtual 5k, with a goal of $1000 in place to raise funds for the Backpack Program. All proceeds raised will go to SHEF and will help maintain the program throughout the summer.

The Panther Eye 5k is set to open registration May 12th at noon Eastern Time, and will continue to accept registrations until May 31st. Each registration includes a race bib, as well as a race bag of goodies for each participant and participants can submit race times to be entered to win prizes. For more information on dates and submitting race times, visit the 5k website.

Participants can pick up their race bags during the food drive being held at Sweet Home High School in the North Lot (by District Office) from 9am to noon. Those looking to participate in the 5k can head here to register. Runners and walkers are both welcome! If you don’t have time to run or walk the 5k, don’t worry! Donations will be accepted online at this link.

New for this 5k is the routes page. On this page you will find many routes that vary in length and are situated in school neighborhoods, as well as along the waterfront and other various multi-use paths. Each route has a recommended parking and starting point, as well as a pre-plotted map to guide you. However, these routes are not the only accepted routes. Wherever you can run or walk, you can participate in this 5k!

The Panther Eye is proud to be hosting such a large event to benefit the Sweet Home students and community. To find out more about the 5k, and to register, head to 5k.panthereye.news

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