The Sweat for A Vet 5K on June 6 raised enough to donate $7,500 to organizations and programs serving veterans and their families.
In its third year, the Sweat For A Vet 5K in Murrells Inlet, S.C., continues to grow.
Hosted by Squadron 178 with support from the post’s entire Legion Family, the June 6 event drew 211 registered runners and raised enough money to donate $7,500 total to eight different veteran service programs and agencies. That’s the most runners, donated money and different recipients in the event’s history.
Race director and former squadron adjutant Jim Brewer said the setup was “a little different this year.”
“We invited agencies that reached out to us to come and put up a tent or just a table, so they could advocate to these runners. A lot of these runners that show up are not typical people that show up at The American Legion. … They’re not necessarily veterans or descendants of veterans,” Brewer said.
“What was really nice was, as I’m walking around before the race, every one of those tables was talking to somebody, one of the runners was there. … It worked out really well.”
Between the tables and the chance for representatives to speak to attendees after receiving donation checks, the recipients were able to tell people where the money was going, Brewer said.
“People were very intrigued by what they heard,” he said.
Funds raised from the event went to Blue Star Mothers ($2,000), The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation and Child Well-being Foundation ($1,500 each), and Eastern Carolina Housing Organization, Wounded Warrior Project, Myrtle Beach Vet Center, Nam Knights of America MC, and Vest Up 4 The Fallen ($500 each).
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