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5K run makes positive changes in many lives
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Updated: February 7, 2013 11:20AM
The sun wasn’t even up when Rich Blue, clinical director of Northbrook Center for Christian Life Enrichment, put logs on a fire in the middle of a parking lot in Northbrook.
Yes, crackling heat felt good on a cold Dec. 29 morning, and snow flurries suggested coming snow.
However, the pavement stayed dry enough (in most spots) for experienced runners (or walkers) who took part in the Fresh Start 5K Race. Participants came from numerous suburbs, including Glenview, Oak Park, Park Ridge, Evanston and Wilmette, as well as Northbrook.
The race beneficiary would be RISE International of Northfield, headed by executive director Lynn Cole. RISE has built 146 schools in Angola since 2003, serving over 90,000 students. It’s mission is, through education, to help the African nation recover from the devastation of war.
The run, a great cardio workout, would raise heartbeats, and more importantly, raise awareness of RISE and its mission, and gather support for 2013.
“We’re about making positive changes in our life,” said Nancy Rollins of Evanston, the race director and CLE therapist, who addressed the eager group at the starting line. “What better way to do that than to be running a 5K race and running as we said, full speed into 2013.”
Volunteers readied hot beverages, healthy snacks and water to round out a continental breakfast.
“Philanthropy, it’s an opportunity for us to give back,” said Rich Blue, who lives in Northbrook with his wife Sue (of Blue Life Coaching).
“We really believe in the idea of trying to serve others and the community, so we’re partnering with RISE and we’re just looking for an opportunity to make a difference. Volunteerism — I think we’re just designed to be in community and we’re designed to serve,” he added.
Their daughter Lauren Blue Schifferdecker, a 1999 Glenbrook North graduate, and a Blue Life Coaching counselor, lives in Northbrook with her husband John and their two children Barrett, 3, and Vivienne, 2.
The youngest race day participants were blissfully unaware they were going the distance. “We tried to walk but it’s too windy,” said Jaci Noto of Park Ridge, who held her son Grayson, 11 weeks, who was napping.
Meanwhile racers finished the course, happy to have been part of the fun.
View the video at www.northbrook.suntimes.com under Lifestyles and Trend
Visit www.cle.us.com, www.bluelifecoaching.com and www.riseinternational.org
