Proceeds from 5K/10K run, honor walk to benefit child advocacy effort

To kickoff Child Abuse and Awareness month in April, Southeast Missouri Hospital's HealthPoint Fitness, River Eagle Distributing Co. and Commerce Bank will hold a 5K/10K Run for a Child and One Mile Honor Walk.

All proceeds will benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates volunteer training to support abused and neglected children in Southeast Missouri.

CASA is a not-for-profit organization that trains volunteers to advocate for children suffering from abuse or neglect.

The honor walk begins at 8 a.m. March 25 at HealthPoint Fitness in Cape Girardeau. The one-mile course is followed by an opportunity to leave a message for a child in foster care and ribbons will be available for all finishers.

Although the focus of the Honor Walk is children walking for children, all are welcome. The walk will take place on city streets so youngsters should be accompanied by a parent or group leader. The walk is free but registration fees apply if you would like a tee shirt.

There is an entry fee for the 5K/10K Run for a Child beginning at 8:15 a.m. at HealthPoint Fitness. Runners receive a tee shirt and giveaway bag. Medals for the first three places in 5K and 10K events in all age groups will be awarded.

Registration for the CASA Run for a Child is available online at www.active.com or by mail to HealthPoint Fitness, 2126 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63703.

For more information contact Debbie Leoni at HealthPoint Fitness, (573) 986-4406 or Valerie Blades at CASA, 335-1726. Those interested can visit www.capecasa.com for more information.