giving back
LOCAL NONPROFIT HOSTS 1ST ANNUAL 5K RACE
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Aid the Silent Seeks to Raise Funds for Deaf Community
Did you know that dozens of deaf and hard-ofhearing children and teens across the globe are not excelling to their full potential? In the United States, health insurances do not consider hearing loss a disability therefore allowing little access to the necessary resources for the deaf community to function to the best of their ability. Boerne native and Miss San Antonio 2015 Emma Faye Rudkin set out to change that. And in January, Aid the Silent (ATS), a nonprofit for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, was created to help thousands around the world find information about
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B oerne B usiness M onthly | September 2015
by Denise Marcos living in today’s society as a deaf individual, to learn about Jesus’ Word, and to inspire people to embrace their differences. This fall, ATS is hosting its first annual 5K race at Boerne City Lake Park November 7, 2015 to help those in need. Proceeds collected from the race will go into financially assisting economically-disadvantaged deaf or hard-of-hearing children/teens through ministry-related activities, sponsorship programs, research funding, hearing products and speech resources. “When we were thinking of a ways to fundraise for Aid the Silent we wanted to do something that would involve the entire community,” Rudkin said. “The 5K is a great way to bring awareness about the deaf community and a way to raise the necessary funds that we need in order to provide them with these resources.” You don’t have to be a runner to participate. Ryan Proudfoot Non-runners, walkers and outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to sign up to support the cause. Registration is free to anyone with a cochlear implant, hearing aid or is a non-verbal deaf. Regular registration is $30 and $40 on the day of the race. To kick off the event, singer/songwriter and local recording artist, Ryan Proudfoot will perform the national anthem with the live acoustic concert starting at 12 p.m. Photo opportunities and entertainment by Rudkin will immediately follow race. The entire park is reserved for participants and their families until 6.p.m. Runners are encouraged to stick around for the day and visit the Market @ the Lake where local vendors will offer services, information, crafts and gadgets and area food trucks will serve up their most popular treats. For more information on becoming a sponsor, market vendor or running the race, visit www.aidthesilent.com. BBM