The 4th Annual "Free Them" 5k Run/Walk took place on Saturday, May 12, 2012, at World Concern's headquarters in Seattle. The event was a huge success, drawing almost 2,000 participants and raising $132,000 to help protect children and women from human trafficking.
The sun shone brightly on runners, walkers and dozens of four-legged friends who turned out for the race. Families enjoyed bouncy houses and face-painting for kids, generous food and beverage donations from our fabulous sponsors, and tons of information and activity booths.
The event is a fun, tangible way people can take a stand against one of the most horrific crimes of our generation. The "Free Them" 5k raises awareness and fund for World Concern's anti-trafficking programs, which help protect the poor and vulnerable, providing opportunities for education and to earn income safely.
We'd like to thank everyone who took part in this amazing event—making it the best 5k yet! We look forward to many more joining us next year.
To find out how your donations and involvement are helping, click the "learn more" button in the green box to the right titled "Your Donations at Work."
To view photos from the event, visit our Flickr page.
If you were moved by what you learned about human trafficking, the exploitation of vulnerable women and children, and the needs of those living in extreme poverty, become an advocate for this cause.
Here are some ways you can stay involved:
Thank you for your desire to help. We simply can't do this work without people like you.
A loud shout out to our top fundraisers for this event! These folks hounded their Facebook friends, coworkers, family members and friends, sharing their passion for protecting children and raising astonishing amounts for the 5k.
Jennifer Lu raised $2,315
Thoeum Thaiy raised $1,937
Emily Yan raised $1,579
Six other faithful participants raised more than $1,000! Way to go friends!
Our top fundraising team was Rookie Magic, which raised $4,586. Members of that team included Walter Kwok, Ann Lin, Li Lin, Jennifer Lu, Rodney Shu, Amanda Shu and Emily Yan. Great job Rookie Magic!
Alderwood Community Church had the most team registrations with a whopping 73 team members!
» Those who raised or donated $250 won their choice of a World Concern T-shirt, coffee mug, or water bottle.
» Those who raised or donated $1,000 won this cool World Concern jacket.
Remember, every $40 you raised will help protect one child from the threat of being trafficked. Whatever you raised, you are making a difference in the lives of those in need.
Now that you've discovered how fun and easy it is to make a difference in the lives of others, join us at our next big event: the 5k Mud Run, held on July 21, 2012, at Island Lake Camp in Poulsbo, Wash.
Get caked in mud from head to toe and make the world a better place. You’ll not only have fun slogging through muddy obstacles with your friends, but you’ll also help provide clean water for people in some of the hardest places in the world.
An entire day of activities, including: 5k Mud Run, plus water slide, giant blob, kids run, T-shirt and BBQ lunch included!
Click here to learn more and register today!
