Chili’s race raises funds for cancer

Saturday, Sept. 17, marked the date of the local Chili’s 3rd Annual one mile fun run and 5k Race.

All Chili’s locations host this event, donating all proceeds to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, funding the research for childhood cancer. The races were held at the Oconee River Greenway; the 5k was a total of three laps around the concrete trail.

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This race represents much more than just physical fitness to all of its contestants and contributors, it is rewarding and meaningful. Chili’s Manager Kaitlin Curley stated, “This race is one of the best times of the year for our employees. It gives us the chance to give back to our community and support a great cause.”

The race was sponsored by numerous local businesses of Milledgeville, who were proud and honored to be able to show their support. These businesses include BB&T Corporation, Fitness Plus Health Club, SportFit, Yummo Yogo, SunTrust Banks, Inc., Verizon Wireless, Chick-fil-A, Middle Georgia Cards & Coins, Monograms & More, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Asian Bistro & Grill, Lowe’s, Field’s Photography and Framing, Buffington’s Burger Lounge, Roc’s Cork Shoppe Beverage Warehouse, Metropolis Cafe, Charter Communications and the Antebellum Inn. Several of these businesses donated gift certificates and merchandise to the winners and top three placing male and female contestants of the races. All contestants of the race were given a race day T-shirt designed by Apparel Ink.

The one mile fun run began at 8:30 a.m., and the 5k started at 9 a.m. The winner of the 5k was John Davis, an avid runner. Davis completed the race in an impressive and swift timing of 20 minutes and 15 seconds. When questioned on his technique and ability to pace himself, Davis replied: “I have done a bunch of races and have always trained for them.” He is a member of the Re-Bath of Middle Georgia and Mike Wood Builders running team. The winning prize that Davis walked away with from this race was a brand new Aussie grill.

Chili’s will host its “Donate the Profits Day” on Monday, Sept. 26, on which all sales profits will be donated to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This is a great opportunity for those who missed out on the chance to show their support in the races to contribute to the cause.

Those who would like to give to the organization may also visit the Chili’s and St. Jude’s mutual home website for this event. On this site, you are able to design your own chili pepper to put on display, vote for your favorite pepper created by others, learn about the benefits in making a donation or email a link to others so they may donate.

“I think it’s so great that Chili’s has made it a point to donate so much to this cause,” senior management information systems major Brandon Beaty said. It’s really nice knowing that they are helping out the kids and doing so much to get others involved.”

Posted by KateRamsey on Sep 22 2011. Filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.