Alpha Omicron Pi holds 5k run for juvenile arthritis

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Alpha Omicron Pi holds 5k run for juvenile arthritis

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icron.Pi.Holds.5k.Run.For.Juvenile.Arthritis-3321808.shtml

Issue date: 4/14/08

Alpha Omicron Pi raised $3,000 hosting a 5k run/walk at Alvin York V.A.

Medical Center campus to raise money for national philanthropy benefiting

juvenile arthritis.

The run/walk began at the park pavilion on the Medical Center campus at 8:30

a.m. and continued until 11 a.m. with music and door prizes awarded at the

finish line.

Every year, members of Alpha Omicron Pi host fundraisers and events to raise

money for those suffering from arthritis. Last fall, Alpha Omicron Pi held a

barbeque to benefit adults with this disease, ultimately raising more than

$9,000.

After holding a concert last spring to raise money for juvenile arthritis,

Alpha Omicron Pi decided to try something different this year by

establishing a 5k fundraiser.

" This event was chosen as a way to get the entire community involved in

raising funds for the American Juvenile Arthritis Organization, " said

Achelpohl, event director and sophomore nutrition food science major. " 5k's

are a fun, healthy way to support a cause. "

Since Run for Roses is a new event for the community, members of Alpha

Omicron Pi did their best to promote the event.

" By speaking to companies [it] gave us advertising, " said Fly, junior

marketing major. " We even reached out to ClearChannel and public service

announcements on Pipeline. "

In order to register for the run/walk, participants could go online in

advance to pay a fee of $20 or they could sign up at the event. Participants

were also supplied with a t-shirt, food and drinks for their efforts.

" [it's] important because [we are] focusing on health this year, and a 5k is

not hard, " said , junior public relations major. " You can run or

walk it and it makes you feel good about exercising. "

Besides exercise, members of Alpha Omicron Pi feel the cause is important

and vital to the Juvenile Arthritis Organization.

" I do know someone that had Juvenile Arthritis as a child but who is now

grown and still feels the effects of the disease that is participating, "

Achelpohl said.

In addition to Achelpohl's experience with the disease, there is also a

member of Alpha Omicron Pi who suffers from arthritis.

" has dedication and love for fitness and health, " Fly said. " Once

people see how beneficial [Run for Roses] is they will keep it going. "

" This is an important cause to support because the impact of Juvenile

Arthritis on school, social life, family relationships, dating, sports, and

almost every other aspect of an active child's life raises special

concerns, " Achelpohl said. " It's not easy and needs to be diagnosed young to

receive treatment, which is difficult because it's often overlooked or

misunderstood by medical professionals. "

The sponsors for this event include Steinmart, Kent , Dixie Trophy

House, Mullins Jewelry, Carmike Cinemas, Blockbuster, Slick Pig, Krogers,

Coca Cola, Fake n' Bake and College Grove Apartments.

Sponsors donated gift cards and merchandise for door prizes, while College

Grove supplied participants with refreshments.