We at HRI have been planning this event for a very long time and the date is quickly approaching. I am referring, of course, to our annual 5K -this year taking place at Bachman Lake Park on Saturday, March 24 which also coincides with the International Day of the Right to Truth. All proceeds of this 5K will benefit Human Rights Initiative of North Texas, a local non-profit organization whose mission is to promote international human rights through local service to immigrants and refugees. HRI provides free legal services to immigrant individuals from all over the world who have suffered human rights abuses, including domestic violence, rape and persecution for religious/political beliefs. This race is HRI’s biggest fundraiser and last year generated over 100 people in attendance. This year, we already have over 150 people registered, and are looking to double our numbers from last year! But if it’s a prize you’re looking to compete for, rest assured the opportunities are plenty. We have some very interesting prizes this year, including the following:
- Two tickets to see “Watts Plays Grieg” at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra on April 14, 2012
- Four Dallas Mavericks tickets for the home game with Portlandon April 6, 2012
Two $25 gift certificates to eat at Cuquita’s (named a Top Five Mexican Restaurant by the Texas Monthly) - A certificate for Four Texas Rangers tickets and a parking pass for the home game vs. the Colorado Rockies on June 23, 2012
- Two gift certificates for a 1-hour Relaxation massage from Simple Escape Massage Therapy
- $100 Gift Card from the Container Store
- One gift certificate for a 1-hour table massage from Agape Massage Therapy
- 1st place trophy for overall male
- 1st place trophy for overall female
- 2nd place ribbons
- 3rd place ribbons
This event is being sponsored by a number of different law firms in the Dallas area, including Locke Lord LLP, Harold Simmons Foundation, McKool Smith, Baker & McKenzie, Perkins Coie, Vinson & Elkins and Patton Boggs. We are very excited to host this event and are eternally thankful to all of our sponsors who have contributed to the making of this great event!
If you have been training for this event and have your eyes on the prize, that’s great! But remember, this race is not just for those looking to compete. Anyone looking to go out for a nice, long, sunny walk with their two (or four) legged friends is welcome to participate! Oh, and if you are out of the area and can’t make it but have a strong passion for human rights, you can still participate (and receive a t-shirt in the mail) by registering as a virtual participant. If you have not done so already sign up here. Online registration will only be available through 4 p.m. this Thursday, so act quick! We would also like to encourage you to download our 5K logo and post it as your Facebook profile picture just for this week to help raise awareness about the event and our cause.
The race will officially being at 8:30 am on Saturday, and we encourage you all to give yourselves plenty of time (1 hr) in case of traffic, challenges with directions and warming up. We will have two registration tables where you will need to pick up your runners’ packet and chip timer for the race. Aside from those technicalities, stretch it out, take a couple of deep breaths and get ready to run the most philanthropic 5K of your life!
