5K for HOPE!

On Saturday May 10th, Carleton College will host the third annual 5k for HOPE, a charity walk/run to benefit the Faribault HOPE Center, a local non-profit organization which provides support and resources to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence in Rice County. The mission of HOPE Center is to create zero tolerance for sexual and domestic violence through Healing, Outreach, Prevention and Education. Through innovative programming, they offer direct support to victims of violence in Rice County, collaborative support to other organizations that serve victims, and educational support to the entire community. 

Last year, the 5k for HOPE had over 250 participants and raised over $3000 for the HOPE Center. In addition to raising funds, the 5k for HOPE also raises awareness about issues of sexual and domestic violence in our communities. Kaaren Williamsen, the director of the Gender and Sexuality Center at Carleton College, explains how the race offers a means for people to engage with the issue in an active and positive way. "Sometimes issues of sexual violence are really difficult to talk about, and we wanted to give people a way to engage with the issue and do something that didn't necessarily involve coming to a meeting." 

Erica Staab, the director of HOPE Center, also remarked on the positive atmosphere and high energy of the race. "We are so excited to be out here celebrating healthy communities and to be focused on a positive event and getting people together to create hope." The 5k for HOPE does bring together a large variety of people including college students, faculty, and staff, and community members of all ages from Northfield and Faribault. Staab reflects on the community enthusiasm for the 5k for HOPE. "This is really what our community needs- to have people stand up against violence and say, "no more." We want our communities to be happier, healthier, and safer, so that's why we're here."

This year's race will take place at the Carleton College Recreation Center on Saturday, May 10 at 10am, with same-day registration beginning at 9am. The walk/run is open to all ages and leashed pets are welcome. More information and pre-registration can be found at http://go.carleton.edu/5kforhope. For more information about the HOPE Center, visit hopecentermn.org. 

This year's 5k for HOPE is hosted by the Gender and Sexuality Center, the Recreation Center, the Center for Community and Civic Engagement, College Relations, Student Health and Counseling, and the Dean of Students Office at Carleton College. Local sponsors include Bon Appetit at Carleton College, Tandem Bagels, Larson's Printing, and Just Food Co-op.

All quotations were transcribed from interviews recorded at last year's race. A video compilation of those interviews, edited by Giselle Calderon, can be found at https://apps.carleton.edu/news/features/?story_id=1008917.