LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The Around the World 5-K run at Lackland AFB raised $6,056 for the Battered Women and Children's Shelter of Bexar County. The donation was presented May 28.
Marta B. Pelaez, president and CEO of Family Violence Prevention Services Inc. cited the importance of this contribution to the organization's ongoing efforts to aid the victims of domestic violence.
"This type of community support is crucial to helping those women, children and men who have been impacted by family violence and related issues get their lives back on track," explained Ms. Pelaez. "In many cases it is the turning point to a cycle of violence that has passed from generation to generation."
The funds raised by the May 17 event will cover basic necessities, such as food, transportation and shelter at the facility. Direct services provided by the organization, such as counseling and child care, also benefit from this donation.
Founded in 1977, the Battered Women and Children's Shelter currently provides numerous services for individuals affected by family violence. These include emergency food and clothing, individual and group counseling, temporary housing and medical care.
Ms. Pelaez also praised the run's volunteers and organizers for their contribution to its success.
"On behalf of our participants and staff members, a heartfelt 'thank you' goes out to all those who took part in the Around the World 5-K run," said Ms. Pelaez. "Your contribution and generosity will help our participants change their lives for the better and improve our community as a whole."
For Master Sgt. Magdalena Cortez, increased participation was a factor that allowed the event to reach its goals.
"We were quite successful," said Sergeant Cortez. "There were 1,000 more participants than in previous runs."
Both FVPS and the Battered Women and Children's Shelter maintain cooperative working agreements with Lackland, Randolph and Fort Sam Houston, which allow for services to active-duty personnel and their families. Active-duty and retired military individuals are also among the staff members at the Battered Women and Children's Shelter.
According to Sergeant Cortez, the Around the World 5-K was a continuation of previous charity events held at Lackland. The base and local charities have organized similar runs for 15 years. Organizations that have previously benefited from these runs, fundraisers and other events include the American Cancer Society, the Center for the Intrepid and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
The next charity run at Lackland will be the Spirit of 9/11 run, scheduled for Sept. 6.
The proceeds from this event will benefit the Center for the Intrepid at Fort Sam Houston.