Georgia CALLS Raises Funds for Local Families in Need of Housing and Support

Shown: Melissa and Jay Reeder

With 134 runners and walkers, Georgia CALLS' first annual "Race for Restoration 5K & Fun Run" held on August 20th at Little Mulberry Park in Dacula was a success and raised essential funds for local families in need.

With a focus on homeless families and the restoration and rebuilding of the family unit for the sake of the children, the Race for Restoration was a fundraiser for Georgia CALLS, a unique 501c3 organization that helps families recover from homelessness and lack of employment.

Families and children (a number of them accompanied by pets) took part in the race or cheered their loved ones on. Jay Reeder, Georgia CALLS' Chief Catalyst and board member and VoiceNation's CEO, participated in the event with his wife, Melissa and their three children. Mark Mobley, Georgia CALLS' Executive Director was the Master of Ceremonies. Chopper, the beloved mascot of the Gwinnett Braves, enthusiastically encouraged everyone along during the race.

Runners Pedram Esmaelzadeh, the overall male winner and Ramona Stutlz, the overall female winner, received trophies and gift cards to Big Peach Running Company in Suwanee. Additionally, the top male and female finishers in each age group (from 10 and under to 65 and up) were awarded medals.

Georgia CALLS would like to thank their sponsors: VoiceNation, Walmart in Collins Hill, Chick-Fil-A, Classic City Running in Buford, Dr. Bill Morrison, O.D., Mike Thomas State Farm Insurance Agency, Costco, Kona Ice of Gwinnett, Panera Bread, Waffle House, Big Peach Running Company of Suwanee, Rewriting Our Story, YouScore.net, Angecansew, C&A Johnson Plumbing Service of Gwinnett and Lamar Advertising of Atlanta.

"We were very pleased with such a terrific turnout, as this is our first fundraising 5K. All proceeds raised will address the immediate need of five Georgia CALLS' program participants and their families in need of stable housing and support," said Mark Mobley, Executive Director of Georgia CALLS.

He continued, "Thank you to our amazing team of volunteers from the community and our sister business, VoiceNation, as well as our wonderful sponsors, who not only helped to provide a great race environment, but who, along with the racers, are providing hope for housing and care to our program participants."

To view a recap of the Race, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmlivYaN7S0

To make a donation to help support local families through Georgia CALLS, visit http://www.gacalls.org/donations/give-online/