Free Registration for Holly’s Hope 5K Race Oct. 10; Benefits Local Domestic Abuse Survivors

Free Registration for October 10 Holly’s Hope 5K Race

Participants asked to raise $100 in personal sponsorships; all proceeds will benefit SARC and help provide services that support domestic violence abuse survivors in Harford County.

From the Sexual Assault/Spouse Abuse Resource Center:

Runners of all ages are invited to take part in the second annual Holly’s Hope 5K Run on Saturday, October 10 from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. Event organizers recently announced they would waive the $25 registration fee for the event; instead, participants are asked to seek personal sponsorships and those who raise $100 will receive a custom race t-shirt. All proceeds will go to SARC, the non-profit organization that helps victims of domestic violence in the community.

The race begins and ends at the historic Liriodendron Mansion in Bel Air and offers runners a challenging and scenic course along the MA and PA Heritage Trail. Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female finishers and top fundraising individual. All registrants are eligible for pre- and post-race refreshments including a Chick-Fil-A sandwich, as well as on-course amenities including water stations and a timing chip to track their running pace and finish time.

Bel Air resident Ethan Brito organized the inaugural race in 2014 as a way to honor his Aunt Holly, a survivor of domestic violence. Holly received counseling from SARC and Brito wanted to make other area victims of abuse aware of the resources SARC provides. The event is held in October which is Domestic Violence Awareness month.

SARC’s Chief Executive Officer Luisa Caiazzo says, “Holly’s story is, unfortunately, all too common: one in every four women and one in every seven men will be a victim of violence at the hands an intimate partner. That’s why Ethan’s passion for building awareness about SARC’s life saving services is so awesome.” She adds, “As funding continues to decline from government sources, financial support from the community is critical. We are appreciative of the donations from business sponsors and want every runner who registers to know their contributions will help other victims gain access to the resources they need to build a life free from abuse and fear. “

Holly’s Hope 5K sponsors to-date include: Aaron’s; APGFCU; Blue Dot of Maryland; Chick-Fil-A of Constant Friendship and Aberdeen; Ciampaglio Potter, CPA; Decisive Data Systems; Freedom Federal Credit Union; Harford Bank; Harford Community College; Harford’s Heart Magazine; Harford Mutual Insurance; I-95 Magazine; Innovative Insurance Solutions; JigSaw Marketing Solutions; Jones Junction; Northeastern Supply; Oak Contracting; Southern States; The Goddard School; WAMD; and Yogurt Mountain.

For more information about sponsorships and to register for the race, visit https://www.sarc-maryland.org/.