9th Annual Run in the Sun a Huge Success
Mahaska Health’s ‘Run in the Sun’ 2019 (photo by Ginger Allsup/Oskaloosa News)
MAHASKA COUNTY –With incredible weather and the support of more than 40 volunteers, the 9th Annual Mahaska Health Foundation Run in the Sun was a huge success. The event raised nearly $20,000 for the Hospice Serenity House; all while breaking a sweat and having fun along the way.
Close to 350 participants, ages 3 months old to 87 years old, joined in the 5K run and 1-mile walk on Aug. 3 that started and ended at the Lacy Recreation Complex Community Stadium. The event is an annual fundraiser that benefits the Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa.
The overall male winner of the 5K was Asa Canny of Ottumwa, with a time of 19:26. The overall female winner of the 5K was Baily Vos of Sully, with a time of 23:34. Each winner received a gift certificate from Brown’s Shoe Fit in Oskaloosa for a free pair of running shoes. Find race results by age category at: www.mahaksahealth.org/runinthesunreg.html.
More than 47 Corporate and Major Sponsors, along with 14 Partner and Community Sponsors, helped raise more than $20,000 in sponsorships alone. Andrea Hagist, Chief Nursing Officer stated, “We are so grateful for the fantastic community support we receive from our local business leaders. A special thanks must go to Mahaska Rural Water, who this year donated an astounding $8,000 to support the run.”
Mahaska Health CEO Kevin DeRonde introduced a special guest at this year’s race, Kaye DeLange of Waconia, Minn. DeLange grew up in Eddyville and her father, Duane Jager, utilized Mahaska Health Hospice Services and spent his final days at the Hospice Serenity House. “Hospice made a world of difference to our family,” DeLange said. “Through their care, the home environment, and God’s plan, we had plenty of time to tell Dad what he meant to us, to share stories, and simply hold his hand. Our nurses were such special people, and he always enjoyed visiting with them when they came. Hospice made such a positive impact on our family and the staff are truly angels.”
DeRonde echoed her words and recognized the hospice staff for their inspiring dedication to patients. “Since opening in 2010, more than 700 patients and their family members have been served at the Hospice Serenity House,” DeRonde said. “It was through generous community support that close to $3 million was raised to open the house, and we are privileged and honored that you put your trust in us.”
For the second year in a row, First Christian Church in Oskaloosa won the Church Challenge with 29 members registered. For their support, their name will be placed on the Donor Wall at the Hospice Serenity House. Other teams in attendance were: ‘Team Terry,’ formed in memory of Terry Oaks, with 25 members; ‘Team Grammy,’ formed in memory of Dorothy Thorpe, with 20 members; ‘Pam’s Posse,’ formed in memory of Pam Howard, with 20 members; ‘Easier Said than Run,’ with 20 members; Bank Iowa with 17 members; Hospice Team ‘Bursting Sunrays,’ with 13 members; ‘Team Kevin,’ formed in memory of Kevin Mitrisin, with 12 members; ‘Team Carol,’ formed in memory of Carol Hoksbergen, with 10 members; MHP’s Surgical Team ‘Cut and Run,’ with 10 members; Mahaska Rural Water, with 10 members; and Team Ajinomoto, with 10 members.
Foundation Board Chair Sandy Bailey talked about the Tribute Signs that were available for purchase this year as a way to honor or memorialize someone special. The Tribute Signs raised and extra $900 for Run in the Sun. She also announced the traditional balloon release, where participants had the chance to write the name of a loved one on a balloon as a token of remembrance.
“The Foundation Board is very thankful for the tremendous community support we continue to receive for Run in the Sun,” Bailey said. “Next year, we will be celebrating our 10th year as a hospice fundraiser. Plans are already in the works to make it special.”
As the fundraising arm of Mahaska Health, the Foundation also supports other departments and services of the hospital. For more information on the Mahaska Hospice Foundation, contact Cathy Stahl at cstahl@mashakahealth.org or call 641-676-7146.
