On Sunday, August 14, runners and walkers from across western Wayne County will gather to race and raise money for the Community Assistance Foundation (CAF5). The 5K race will be a family fun event for the entire community. In addition to the race, there will be free hot dogs, a kids tour of a Van Buren Township Fire Truck and Police Car, face painting and more.

The CAF5 organization provides financial assistance to children in need of prescription drugs and eye glasses within the five communities of Belleville, Van Buren Township, Sumpter Township, Romulus and Huron Township. CAF5 also does special fundraising for families with children who have catastrophic illnesses. This will mark the third race that CAF5 has sponsored in Van Buren Township.

“Our mission has been to assist familes that are in crisis when no other resources are available for short term help. Most are referred to us by the three school districts serving these five communities. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit. Our tag line is ‘Making a difference one child at a time’,” CAF5 board member Bob Thorne explained.

“We also help lead clients to additional long term help. For the last 5 years we have been helping with paying for prescription drugs and eyeglasses for students that are deemed eligible by the school social worker or principal. We have seen significant increases in the need for help in the last couple of years. For longer term help we refer to a free/low cost government funded clinic in Inkster and Taylor. We also step in to help with longer term needs for children with medical issues like Leukemia,” Thorne added.

The 5K Summer Fun Run/Walk event has been met with tremendous community support. Local businesses and organizations including Sumpter Market, EQ, Garden Fantasy, Twisted Rooster, Pinter’s Flowerland, Accurate Analytical Testing LLC, The Envelope Printery, Environmental Testing & Consulting, Johnston Lithograph, Michigan Education Foundation, Acho Tshirts, VBASA, VBEA and Coca-Cola are sponsoring the race.
Bring your family to cheer on the racers on Sunday August 14 and enjoy the free food, entertainment, playground, face painting and more. Donations will be accepted at the event as well.

The 5K race takes place at Van Buren Park at 10am on Sunday, August 14. Registration begins at 10:00am, followed by a Kids 1K race at 10:30 and the 5K race at 10:45am. Following the races, the community is invited for free hot dogs and activities. To register to go www.bellevillelakecurrent.com and click on the banner ad to download the registration form or contact Tabitha Pinter at PinterTS@gmail.com or 734-732-8857. Race t-shirts will be provided to those who pre-register and on race day while supplies last.

If your business or organization would like to sponsor the event please email blthorne@aol.com.