ABOUT THE EVENT The Athens Banner-Herald Run/Walk for Home 5K is an annual fundraising event to help the homeless and hungry in Northeast Georgia. Designed to be a festive event for the entire family, it has become one of the largest participation events of its kind in this area, involving about 1500 participants each year. Although Run/Walk for Home is staged as a 5K road race, the key to the event's success is the participation of casual joggers and walkers, and people who ordinarily would not participate in a race. Run/Walk for Home Objectives: To rally community support by creating awareness of homelessness concerns and the need for decent shelter, clothing, food and medical attention. To raise money and awareness for local charities that address homelessness issues. In 2005, the event raised over $17,000. All participant entry fees and sponsor donations go directly to the beneficiary groups and to cover the expenses of the race. To stage a fitness event for a good cause that everyone can enjoy. In it's 15th year, the Run/Walk for Home 5K creates a win/win situation for all involved: Runners and walkers participate in a healthy day of exercise, enjoy food and fellowship, obtain a T-shirt and receive satisfaction in knowing that their entry fee goes directly to those in need, our homeless. Volunteers work tirelessly to ensure the race is a success. They take pride in a job well done and take pleasure in contributing towards making our community a better place in which to live. Sponsors, who make such generous contributions towards the staging of the Run/Walk, receive substantial recognition, visibility and goodwill. The event benefits seven, non-profit organizations that serve the homeless and near homeless in the area - Athens Area Homeless Shelter, Athens Nurses Clinic, Habitat for Humanity, Our Daily Bread, Project Safe, The Ark and The Salvation Army. Last year each organization received approximately $2,500 from the Run/Walk for Home 5K. In addition, each organization benefits from the exposure the race gives their cause. The Athens Banner-Herald Run/Walk for Home 5K is unique in that it is an event for everyone; an event that brings all segments of the community together. Children, students, parents, community leaders, business people, walkers, joggers and serious runners are all well represented. Although the money raised is vitally important, of equal importance is the symbolic statement made by the Athens Banner-Herald Run/Walk for Home 5K - homelessness is wrong and, here in Athens, we are doing something about it. Please join our efforts to make a difference and help the homeless in NE Georgia!