Dash for Cash, a 5k fundraiser run, assists local agencies supported by United Way of Moscow.
Whitney Mueller, director of research and development for United Way, said United Way already had a fundraiser for the agencies in the spring. She said they wanted to find a fundraiser for the fall as well. When thinking about possible fundraisers, she said they wanted something that was easy, fun and had a low-cost set up.
“During this time, 5K’s seemed to be more popular, and looking at the fact that we had an active community, it would be easy to get people involved,” Mueller said.
Cretia Bunney, executive director of United Way of Moscow, said they wanted a healthy way for people to give back to the community.
Bunney said it would be another way to promote United Way agencies. These agencies promote healthy lifestyles, such as the Sojourner’s Alliance helping the homeless get back on their feet, she said. Dash for Cash supports not only the Sojourner’s Alliance, but other organizations as well. These include Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse, Boy Scouts of America, Gritman Adult Day Health, Moscow Mentor Program, Palouse Area Therapeutic Horsemanship and Success by 6 of the Palouse.
Mueller said she is confident that everyone in Latah County knows or has been helped by one of these agencies. Mueller said she is most excited about the sponsorship packet, which she is in charge of. This packet shows sponsors what they are a part of and how much the community hears or sees their Dash for Cash advertisements.
“They are what make Dash for Cash possible,” Mueller said. “If it weren’t for all their generous donations, Dash for Cash wouldn’t be possible, especially because every cent made from Dash for Cash goes toward the different agencies supported. Sponsors put Dash for Cash over the edge.”
Sponsors for Dash for Cash include Sterling Bank and Frontier Communications.
Martin Erkela, general manager of Frontier Communications, said the event stimulates United Way contributions from the community.
He said Frontier Communications encourages its employees to be involved in the community.
“There will always be a need for people to get involved and support charitable organizations.”
Both Bunney and Mueller said they are looking forward to hopefully reaching their goal of 100 participants.
“It is the 3rd year and we have really good sponsors and volunteers and reaching the goal of 100 would be great,” Bunney said.
Participants receive a t-shirt and awards for first through third places for male, female, youth and adult categories.
“(But) if you don’t want it to be competitive you don’t have to,” Mueller said. “This is an event where you can do what you want, run and be competitive, run to enjoy or walk and hang out.”
Emily Aizawa can be reached at [email protected]