Momentum Building, Sponsorship Support Growing for August 5K Run

Bristol-based nonprofit DK Movement Cares is building momentum for its inaugural 5K Run/1M Fitness Walk to be held in Bristol on Saturday, August 26, 2023, with funds raised being devoted to two local organizations, Bristol Special Olympics and Agape House Homeless Shelter Outreach. The event will be held at the Bridge Community Church in Bristol from 8:00-10:00 AM. There will also be a free Kids Fun Run (children 8 and under) prior to the 5K.

The nonprofit DK Movement Cares was formed earlier this year by Kelly Houston and Derek Jones, co-founders of the popular luxury streetwear brand DK Movement, based in Bristol.

Overcoming Challenges, Realizing Potential

The inspiring personal story of Derek Jones defines the passion to support local nonprofit organizations that are making a difference in individual lives.

As an 8-year-old growing up in Bristol, success meant just surviving. Derek spent many tormented nights thinking about how he would stay alive. His mom, an alcoholic and drug addict, was in and out of the picture. His siblings had been taken away from him and relocated by Connecticut’s Department of Children and Families. He moved between the toughest local, barely getting through school and keeping a roof over his head. By age 12, and without a place to truly call home, Derek found a constant companion in alcohol. He went from avoiding the drug sellers in the shelters where he was living to joining them. It was in this environment of chaos that he reconnected with his father, who was able to extract him from a gang and send him to live with nearby relatives to keep him safe.

At 15, success became football. As a cornerback at Bristol Central, he was recognized for his considerable athletic gifts, and was offered a scholarship to Syracuse University. His dream of success on the gridiron was derailed when he was kicked off the team during his junior year because of his alcoholism. But somehow, it was at this point that success redefined itself for Derek. At a football game he watched from the stands, he made a personal commitment that changed his life, determined to never again give up on himself.

The obstacles didn’t diminish, but his resolve did not waver. He vowed to get in shape, keep his sons on track for their own successes, and someday buy a beautiful home in the city he grew up in.

Today, Derek is achieving all these things, and is just as determined to extend help to others navigating their own challenges encouraging them to transform their lives. As a co-founder of DK Movement, a black-owned, Bristol-based luxury streetwear brand he designs and promotes with fiancée Kelly Houston, helping those in need is at the core of all efforts. Alcohol is no longer a part of Derek’s life – it has been replaced by running and other athletic endeavors. He is a family man, raising his sons along with Kelly’s two daughters. The beautiful home he once envisioned now serves as headquarters for the growing fashion business.

Originally from New York, Kelly worked in the modeling industry for many years, and has been featured in various urban and fashion magazines and has graced the runway for an array of fashion designers during Fashion Week. She then took a break from the industry to become a mom and started a new career as a Lactation Consultant. Later, she returned to the fashion industry as a Red Carpet Hostess, becoming a recognized and sought-after personality. Looking for a change in her life, and turning away from alcohol, Kelly and her two daughters moved to Connecticut, where she met Derek. They both shared a passion to help others, which brought them closer together and led to the founding of DK Movement. It has been driven by the shared determination to inspire others to never give up on their dreams, and to focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle through good choices and positive mindset.

Registration Now Underway, Sponsor Support Expanding

Registration for the 5K has begun, and an impressive line-up of sponsors supporting the race is taking shape. The first 300 participants will receive a complimentary t-shirt and swag bag. Top finishers in the 5K Run will receive cash prizes; discounted rates are available for teams that sign-up to participate, and there will be school vs. school, team vs. team and gym vs. gym friendly competitions.

Businesses and organizations signing on as sponsors include Barnes Group, LatinoFestUSA.com, Central CT Chamber of Commerce, Walmart, Seymour Media and AMP Radio Network. Bank of America will be among the organizations providing volunteers to staff the event. Additional sponsorship packages are available; go to www.dkmovementcares.org for additional information.

DK Movement Cares is a 501(c)(3) non-profit; the mission is to provide compassionate care and support to individuals, children, families, and those with special needs. On-site vendors on August 26 will include Vitality Human Performance Gym and Bristol Eliminating Substance Use Together (BEST). Coffee sponsor will be Bristol’s Café Real.

Promoting Enduring Community Connections

“DK Movement Cares' vision is a world where every family and child has the chance to thrive and reach their full potential, and where love, compassion, and empathy are the driving forces behind our collective efforts to create a better future for all,” explained Derek Jones and Kelly Houston.

In addition to promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles, the DK Movement 5K Run can help to build a sense of community and solidarity among participants, volunteers, and supporters. By working together towards a shared goal, individuals can strengthen their relationships and feel a sense of connection to their community.

“We are dedicated to making a positive impact in people’s lives by providing support for services that promote health, wellness, and independence,” Kelly and Derek noted. “We aim to raise awareness and funds for other non-profit organizations that share our vision of creating a better world for those in need. Our ultimate goal is to empower individuals and communities to lead fulfilling lives and reach their full potential, regardless of their circumstances.”

Since its founding during the pandemic, the brand created by Jones and Houston has launched multiple initiatives to give back to their local community, including meeting with middle school-age youth at a Career Day and additional support to the local Boys & Girls Club and contributing funds to further the work of the Agape House. Giving back has been at the heart of the business from day one. DK Movement was recognized for their community efforts by the Better Business Bureau in Connecticut at their Annual Meeting & Awards in 2022. The nonprofit organization DK Movement Cares further extends those efforts.

On Course, On-Site on August 26

The course on August 26 will be mostly flat, with views of Bristol’s Memorial Boulevard to start the race. Similar terrain continues as runners cross behind the boulevard. Runners will make their way towards the center of Bristol, where they’ll be met with a challenging hill which quickly turns into a downhill finish through the heart of Bristol and ending at the Bridge Community Church.

Local author Melissa Ramos will also be featured on August 26, autographing copies of her new children’s book, “I Am Lincoln.” She was inspired to write the book, one of a series of five she has recently authored, by her son Lincoln. He is nonverbal, “so reading to him and my kids since they were small is something very important to me. I am Lincoln’s voice and will continue to raise awareness of autism and all the special needs kids who were born to stand out,” Ramos explained. A limited number of free copies of “I Am Lincoln,” purchased by DK Movement Cares, will be available, along with an opportunity to meet Melissa Ramos and Lincoln.

DK Movement’s goal is to reach as many people as possible to inspire them to grow as individuals while uplifting others within their communities. They welcome collaborations with local community organizations in Connecticut and beyond, building on their work in Bristol.

Houston and Jones recently were interviewed on the FOX61 Morning News and featured on the CT Small Business Presents podcast discussing plans for the 5K Race and the goals for DK Movement Cares in support of local nonprofit organizations.