Boys Run
Dear Editor: Sitkans Against Family Violence would like to thank everyone who supported the second-ever season of Boys Run I toowú klatseen this year. Thanks to the community’s support, our 2015 season, which reached about 45 boys in Sitka and Kake, was a great success.
The season would not have been possible without our wonderful community sponsors. A special thank you to SEARHC, who helped us to expand to the community of Kake, where about 15 boys got to participate in the program, an exciting first for this community. Thank you also to the Hames Corporation, Russell’s, the Hames Center, White’s Incorporated, the Sitka Sound Slayers, Work and Rugged Gear, and Ludvig’s Bistro.
Many of our participants receive scholarships to be a part of Boys Run, and we are very grateful for the organizations and individuals who help support this positive program for Sitka youths.
Another big thank you to our wonderful coaches – Eleyna Rosenthal, Caitlin Lavorgna, Sarah Curley, Tristan Guevin, Geoffrey Goudeau and Wes Holloway! Our boys loved having you as coaches and we couldn’t have done it without you.
The 5K in December was the final celebratory event for our amazing participants, boys in third-fifth grade who have been learning healthy lifestyle skills, celebrating inner strength, and training over the past 12 weeks. We had many family members, friends, and community members come out to cheer them on and help them each achieve their 5K goal. It would not have been possible without the work of all the wonderful volunteers who helped with course set-up, added to the celebration through activities like face painting, ran as personal supporters with the participants, and were great cheerleaders. Thank you to everyone who contributed time and energy to make this event such a success.
Again, thank you to everyone who helped bring such joy and celebration to the community of Sitka through Boys Run I toowú klatseen and the 5K. Gunalchéesh!
Lauren Havens
Boys Run I toowú klatseen
Coordinator, SAFV
