Fourth Annual Holly’s Hope 5K and 1 Mile Walk to Benefit SARC Scheduled for October 14

Holly’s Hope founder Ethan Brito sharing a smile with his Aunt Holly at the 2016 event

As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Fourth Annual Holly’s Hope 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk will take place on Saturday, October 14 beginning at 8:00 a.m. All proceeds will benefit SARC, the Harford County nonprofit working to put an end to domestic and sexual violence, child abuse and stalking. This year’s event has moved to a new start and stop location at the Harford County Equestrian Center, featuring a more family-friendly course and easier parking.

Holly’s Hope began in 2014 as a way to bring awareness to SARC’s important services, sending a message to victims that SARC is available as a refuge to escape their abusive situation, and that hope does exist in Harford County. Ethan Brito, now a cadet at West Point, started this fundraiser for SARC when he was a student at Bel Air High School to honor his Aunt Holly, a survivor of years of abuse and SARC advocate.

When Holly came to SARC for help, she was in a wheelchair with a broken leg and a sprained ankle. “SARC opened my eyes and made me realize none of this was my fault, and that I was a victim of abuse,” says Holly. “It took me several years to find myself again. I did, and I am a survivor! Through all of this, I have had one very specific dream: to help others stuck in the same horrific situation.”

Supporting Holly’s Hope brings meaningful assistance to victims and survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual violence and stalking in Harford County – SARC is the only organization providing these types of services in the area.

SARC provided extensive services in Harford County in 2016 thanks to community support.

This year’s event begins and ends in the parking lot of the Harford County Equestrian Center in Bel Air and offers a scenic course along the MA and PA Heritage Trail. The following prizes will be awarded:

• 1st Place Overall (male and female): $100 in gift cards and a medal
• 2nd Place Overall (male and female): $50 in gift cards and a medal
• 3rd Place Overall (male and female): $25 in gift cards and a medal

Medals will also be awarded to the first place winner by age bracket (male and female: 10-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 years and older. All participants will enjoy a post-race party with refreshments. The event will also be broadcast live by WAMD.

Sponsorships are still available, and individuals can show additional support by becoming a “Holly’s Hero,” a single donor whose premium $100 registration by September 29 guarantees the participant a specially-designed medal in addition to all the other race amenities. The first 20 people to register as Holly’s Heroes will receive a deluxe swag bag courtesy of Charm City Run.

Standard registration is also available; fees are $30 for the individual 5K Run or 1 Mile Walk (all ages) and $20 to register as a member of a team (minimum of 4 people per team). All participants registered by September 29 are guaranteed an event t-shirt and goodie bag. Participants can pick up their race-day packet on Friday, October 13 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Charm City Run in Bel Air, or on event day onsite starting at 6:30 a.m.

Holly’s Hope sponsors to-date include Hazel and Larry Hopkins, Vagabond Sandwich Company, People’s Bank and in-kind sponsor WAMD. Annual Sponsors include Decisive Data Systems; Harford Mutual Insurance; Lynch Construction; Fallston Group; Harford’s Heart; Aaron’s; Jones Junction; Saiontz & Kirk PA; Saxon’s; APGFCU; Chick-fil-A; Ciampaglio Potter (CPA); Horne Construction LLC; Innovative Insurance Solutions; Oak Contracting; WSMT; Chesapeake Employers Insurance; McComas Funeral Home; Elegant Restoration; and Harford Bank.

For more information about sponsorships, contact Kelsey Luchey at 410-836-8431 or at kluchey@sarc-maryland.org. To register for the race, visit https://www.sarc-maryland.org/ and click on the Holly’s Hope icon under “Events”.

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About SARC (https://www.sarc-maryland.org/)

Since 1978, SARC (Sexual Assault/Spouse Abuse Resource Center) has provided hope and resources to victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, and stalking. Services include a 24-Hour-Helpline, counseling, legal representation, a confidential safe house and community outreach and education.