Instead of cancelling events, Why Racing adds races during 2020

December 9, 2020

Why Racing Events Virtual “Shuffle for Share” Leftovers-themed 5K Run/Walk Raises $17,410 for SHARE

Vancouver, WA – Why Racing Events virtual “Shuffle for Share” Leftovers-themed 5K Run/Walk Nov. 21 to 29 raised $17,410 to benefit Share. The event had no registration fee; instead a minimum $10 donation to Share was requested.

The event drew 771 participants from across 15 states in the United States, plus participants in Canada; included in that total were 126 kids.

“We are delighted and humbled by the success of this first annual Shuffle for Share Run/Walk and we are grateful to Why Racing Events for selecting Share as their partner in this community event,” said Diane McWithey, executive director. “This year has been a particularly tough one for local nonprofits who are seeing a dramatic increase in need. It is reassuring that we can always count on our community, which is full of individuals, businesses, faith based communities, nonprofit organizations, volunteers, school group and civic organizations who are bonded by the Clark County spirit in support of one another.”

This was a new event for Why Racing in 2020 and Sherri McMillan, owner, explains “It’s been a crazy year and instead of cancelling events, we’re actually adding events to our calendar! Who does that?! But I’m so glad we did because two months ago, this event wasn’t even on the schedule and we decided to go for it with such short notice during a global pandemic and raised nearly $18,000! That will help provide so many meals to those in need!”

Participants received ‘Leftovers’ SWAG so 100% of their donations went directly to SHARE. Karissa Schoene, event director for Why Racing Events is responsible for sponsorships and acquiring SWAG for participants. “By providing leftovers SWAG from past events, it kept our costs at a minimum so we could maximize the donation to help those in need” says Schoene.

The run/walk was a 5K event that could be completed anytime between Nov. 21 to 29 and anywhere, such as a participant’s neighborhood, along a local path, even a treadmill.

Special thanks to Realvest Corp., Cofer Excavation Inc., Henri Moreau and The Field Family for their support which enabled the event to be hosted for free, maximizing donations to Share.

About Why Racing Events

Regardless of your WHY, we are all united on a mission to improve our own health and fitness while building our community, giving back and improving the lives of those in need. We operate from a belief system that if we all give a little, it adds up to a whole lot. Together, collectively, we can achieve the extraordinary. Why Racing Events Inc. offers athletes of all abilities, from the elite level to the back of the packers, the chance to successfully train for and complete various types of races including fun runs, triathlons, adventure events and more while raising awareness and funds for important community causes. We will provide you with the guidance, support, resources and various types of training programs to help inspire you every step of the way.

About Share

Share was founded in 1979 with the goal of caring for the homeless and hungry in the greater Vancouver area. Share operates four shelters for the homeless, a transitional housing program, Lincoln Place (a 30-unit Housing First model apartment complex), a street outreach program, a Housing & Essential Needs (HEN) program, provides case management to clients and provides daily meals for the homeless and low-income members of our community. Share also operates a summer meals program for low-income children and a backpack program benefitting 1,680 children at 94 schools to provide food for weekends to children receiving free or reduced-fee lunches. Additionally, Share offers financial programs that incorporate financial education and matched dollars for savings; these programs are designed to assist in the improvement of credit scores and financial management. For more information on Share, visit our Web site at www.sharevancouver.org.

###

Contact:

Sherri McMillan, Why Racing Events, 360.798.4744 sherri@whyracingevents.com

Jessica Lightheart, Community Relations Director, 360-896-2130 jlightheart@sharevancouver.org

Diane McWithey, Executive Director, 360-952-8216 dmcwithey@sharevancouver.org