Runners, walkers hit Marietta streets for Fall Back fundraiser
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MARIETTA -- As a way to promote personal health and veteran's affairs, St. Mary Catholic School held its annual Fall Back 5K Run/Walk Sunday afternoon at East Muskingum park.
About 130 runners and walkers participated in this event, and St. Mary marketing director Tammi Bradley said each year, school officials choose a local organization with which to share proceeds.
This year, St. Mary Catholic School chose American Legion Post 64 in celebration of Veterans Day this week.
"I have Regis Kern here and we just presented him with a check for $500. With Veterans Day being this week, we're just trying to tie all of our events (and) philanthropy for our students and our families," Bradley said.
For Kern, the events was special to him in more ways than one; he is a veteran, his children attended St. Mary and he coached basketball at the school.
"We've always had a great relationship and I really do appreciate them thinking of us and donating the money to our charities for veterans," he said.
Whether it be financial, emotional or physical help, Kern said the American Legion Post 64 assists veterans with any needs that arise.
"We also help with the Gospel Mission on the west side. We help other veterans' organizations as far as when they're financially distraught," Kern said. "I make sure that we do help the community and that's the important part of it."
Community members are eager to donate items such as equipment for those with disabilities as well as monetary donations, Kern said.
With Veterans Day coming up on Thursday, Kern encourages people to think about the challenges veterans can face every day.
"A lot of times, it's not over when you get out of the military. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and things like that are some of the things that we are trying to help (with). We've already helped other organizations that support PTSD and make sure it works for everyone," Kern said.
Bradley said the Fall Back 5K is a teaching tool with students as a way to spread the message of charity and the importance of supporting organizations.
"It's important for us as a school to incorporate the philanthropy and let the kids know how important community services (are)," she said.
Although the school won't conduct a Veterans Day event due to COVID protocols, Bradley said teachers and staff members plan special projects for students to uplift veterans.
"We're doing a Christmas card program for veterans in nursing homes right now. We're incorporating that important message into our kids' lives," she said.
Kern expressed his gratitude toward Bradley and St. Mary for their contributions.
"I thank St. Mary (for) everything that you do because it's very personal. Thank you all so much," he said.
Candice Black can be reached at cblack@newsandsentinel.com.