SPRINGFIELD, IL – On Saturday, September 25th 2010, members of the Robert Morris University – Springfield women’s basketball team participated in the 1st Annual NightCrawler 5K. Coach Matt Mead, staff and his Lady Eagles braved the cold and wet elements to help support this fundraising event for the Rutledge Youth Foundation.
“The Rutledge Youth Foundation is non-for-profit organization that aids abused and neglected children in this local area. Currently, Rutledge serves around 300 youths. A variety of services are provided that include foster care, mentoring, counseling, and a group home. It is the goal of Rutledge to aid in implementing the tools necessary for our clients to be able to grow into productive, independent adults,” explains Rutledge Youth Foundation Board’s Fundraising Chairperson.
A number of the Lady Eagles not only participated but placed in their divisions. Ellie Krone (freshman; Riverton, IL) finished 4th overall in the female division and took 1st Place in her age group (15-19). Kailee Wyatt (freshman; Bloomington, IL) finished 2nd in the 15-19 division and Chi’Maine Allen (freshman; Chicago, IL) came in 3rd. Ashley Beal (junior; Girard, IL) placed 3rd in the 20-24 division.
Along with the women’s basketball team, members of the Robert Morris University – Springfield women’s soccer team volunteered their efforts along the course route assisting runners. RMU Associate Director of Athletics and Head Women’s Soccer Coach, Chris Ryan, even pulled out the old running shoes and hit the pavement for the night’s run.
“Along with the sponsorship and volunteer efforts from the Robert Morris University – Springfield athletic department, this was a huge success and helped not only raise money, but increase community awareness of Rutledge Youth Foundation. We are so thankful for Robert Morris University for their participation, and truly appreciate not only the numbers of volunteers that turned out for this event, but the number of students that participated in the run,” stated the Rutledge Youth Foundation Board’s Fundraising Chairperson and Event Coordinator.
“As a non-for-profit organization, fundraising is essential in keeping the doors open for our organization so that we may help those youths. The NightCrawler 5K is one of the many events that we have organized to raise the before mentioned needed funds.”
