School on Wheels' Outrunning Homelessness 5K/2.6 Mile Race/Fun Walk Off and Running for 2016

(Easton, MA – February 16, 2016) Outrunning Homelessness is the goal for School on Wheels and community members who gather for this 5K/2.6 mile race and family walk each spring at DCR’s Borderland State Park in Easton, Mass. All funds raised at this event provide academic support to students in Southeastern Massachusetts who are impacted by homelessness. This year’s event is Saturday, April 30 and organizers are confident that they’ll reach their fundraising goal of $50,000.

School on Wheels of Massachusetts (SOWMA) is a non-profit organization that provides one-on-one tutoring and mentoring, school supplies and academic support for students, K-college who face the overwhelming challenges of being homelessness.

A group of Oliver Ames High School student volunteers founded Outrunning Homelessness 5K/2.6 Mile Race & Fun Walk in 2011. Last year, more than 600 dedicated individuals and over 20 corporate sponsors came together to raise $46,700! Money raised by this event helps SOWMA continue serving students who have no place to call home.

Dennis Harkins, a Suffolk University graduate from Easton and Oliver Ames Alumni, who draws upon his experience from five previous years as Director of Outrunning Homelessness, hopes to raise $50,000 in 2016. “Every year our race has more participants, raises more money, and includes more sponsors and volunteers willing to partner with us to support SOWMA’s kids,” Harkins says. “We like to make sure that participation specifically includes towns where our kids are located, so that we can provide support from this event directly to them.”

The Outrunning Homelessness 5K/2.6 Mile Race & Fun Walk will kick off at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 30, at DCR’s Borderland State Park, 259 Massapoag Ave., Easton. Registration and check-in begins at 8 a.m.

For the fifth consecutive year, the event is generously supported by anchor sponsor Crescent Credit Union. While the financial goal for SOWMA’s Outrunning Homelessness 5K/2.6 Mile Race & Fun Walk may change from year to year, the purpose remains constant--to bring the community together to support SOWMA’s mission of providing academic support and one-on-one tutoring/mentoring to children impacted by homelessness.

With an estimated 37,000 homeless children enrolled in Massachusetts public schools and an estimated dropout rate of more than 75% among homeless teens, SOWMA has seen dramatic growth in the need for its life-changing services.

Businesses, teams and individuals are invited to join SOWMA on Saturday, April 30, for the Outrunning Homelessness Race & Fun Walk. Families are encouraged to bring kids and pets out to enjoy a fun spring day.

Teams are a great way to build camaraderie and raise funds for SOWMA.

Online registration is now open on RaceWire. (www.outrunninghomelessness.com). To learn more about this and other SOWMA programs, visit www.sowma.org.

ABOUT SCHOOL ON WHEELS OF MASSACHUSETTS

School on Wheels of Massachusetts (SOWMA) provides customized academic services, one-on-one tutoring, new backpacks and school supplies, and educational advocacy and support to children impacted by homelessness in multiple locations. SOWMA is dedicated to helping each child reach his or her full academic potential. To make a donation to SOWMA or to find out more about their programs for children and teens impacted by homelessness, visit their website at www.sowma.org, or phone 508-587-9091.