Concord’s annual 5K run returned this year, proceeds benefit Blue Star Moms
CONCORD, CA (Dec. 14, 2021) —The annual Concord 5000 run/walk returned last month after a year off. Organizers canceled the event last year due to the pandemic.
With excellent weather conditions, runners lined up in Newhall Park on Nov. 14. The Mt. Diablo High School Junior ROTC program presented the colors, and the Concord High School Ladies First choir sang the National Anthem.
Wyatt Erickson finished first on the 5K course for the men with a time of 17:56. Finishing first for the women, Elise Chu came in with a time of 21:43.
The event raised $1,500 for the Contra Costa Blue Star Moms. The Blue Star Moms will use the funds to send care packages to troops stationed away from home over the Holidays.
Care packages
Sandy McCracken, a member of the Blue Star Moms who has 2 sons currently serving in the armed forces, helped organize the care package day. The care packages contain items that most civilians take for granted. This includes things such as canned food, socks, playing cards, chewing gum, and other assorted goodies. They also prepared some surprises, such as handwritten cards written by local scout troops.
“We are fortunate to have most of the contents donated, but we have to pay full price to ship. And it’s almost $20 for each one,” said McCracken. “We appreciate the support of all of our volunteers. And of course the financial support from Diablo Valley FCU helps,” McCracken continued.
John Pamer, CEO of Diablo Valley FCU said, “We’ve met some active duty military members who have received these packages in the past. They tell us it’s a real treat and the contents are often shared by several people. It is much appreciated.” Diablo Valley FCU chose to partner with the Blue Star Moms as a way to help both the local community and people serving to keep us safe, according to Pamer.
The Concord 5000 charity 5K run/walk happens annually. Organizers plan next year’s race for Sunday, November 13, 2022, in Newhall Park. You can learn more information at the race website: www.concord5000.com.
More information
About DVFCU: Chartered in 1961, Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative. Profits are returned to members in the form of lower rates on loans, better rates on deposits and fewer fees than traditional banks. Anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in central Contra Costa County is eligible to open an account.
About Contra Costa Blue Star Moms, California Chapter 20: This group is a non-partisan, non-political, non-discriminatory organization. It is their mission to provide support for members of the United States Armed Forces and its veterans. They strive to honor the troops, veterans and fallen heroes.