MANSFIELD, PA—The second annual RunWell Awareness Walk, held on April, attracted more than 50 participants and raised more than $1,600.
Money raised by the event, which was organized by Social Work students at Mansfield University, will be used to provide 10 Narcan kits to Bradford Recovery Center to be dispersed to the family members of individuals in recovery. Additionally, the remainder of the funds will be staying here in Tioga County to be used to educate and increase awareness about addiction through outreach and further advocacy and support for those in need within Tioga County.
The top fundraisers were Team MU18 and Team North Hall Fifth Floor, each raising more than $700.
Katlyn Lutchko, Magdalena Callahan, Shannon Sarosky, Ashley Iurilli, Haley Frischkorn, Micaiah Welch, RunWell Ambassador and Department of Social Work Chair Tiffany Welch and MU President Fran Hendricks made up Team MU 18.
Members of Team North Hall 5th Floor were team captain and RunWell Mover and Shaker Jason Welch, Nathaniel Welch, Cole Mack, Joelsen Resimo, Andy Worthington and Zachary Jockel.
Team #walkingoutofaddiction came in second place with $100 raised and the Mansfield University Social Work Club came in third place raising $90.
“As RunWell Ambassador, the students who put this walk together need to be thanked for their efforts, Tiffany Welch said. “Additionally, a lot of small businesses in the area were very supportive, many sponsored a team or donated a small prize. Having that community support is crucial when it comes to events such as this. The best part of the whole day is that we were all able to come together despite the freezing temperatures to have some fellowship while bringing awareness to addiction and mental illness as we help ‘Stomp out Stigma!’”
The walk began at the South Hall Mall, where participants were encouraged to make a sign to carry as they walked across town to Veterans Memorial Park. Those attending listened to music provided by WNTE, ate food purchased with a small grant provided by Wal-Mart, spent time connecting with one another, listened to speakers who shared some insight and encouragement, and some won prizes donated by a variety of the local agencies who so graciously supported the event.
RunWell is a national, non-profit agency focused on recovery scholarships for those who cannot afford treatment.
Bradford Recovery Center is a local rehabilitation center focused on providing treatment to those who suffer from the disease of addiction.
The event is organized by students as part of Associate Professor Mary Daly’s Communities and Organizations class.