Harmony House/CASA Program of La Porte County Superhero 5K Walk/Run & Fun Run A Success

Harmony House/CASA Program of La Porte County hosted their first-ever Superhero 5K Walk/Run & Fun on August 17, 2013.

The family friendly event brought increased awareness of the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates®) Program, while it raised over $6,000 in needed funds to support advocacy for local children’s rights. Proceeds from the race will directly help Harmony House/CASA recruit and train CASA volunteers to give a voice to abused and neglected children in court and the foster care system.

”The community support for this event has been amazing. Hosting a family friendly SUPERHERO Run was a great opportunity to bring both awareness to the CASA Program and the reality of abuse and neglect to light that children face right here in La Porte County, while raising needed financial support for the program. It’s a pleasure to be part of an event that is this much fun!” said Lori Foglesong, Event Chair.

The CASA SUPERHERO Fun Run started the day’s events. 16 children dashed to a 1K finish line, capes flying high with Tatum Bumgardner as the overall winner of the race.

157 participants shared the experience with family and friends at the 5K while they ran, walked, pushed strollers and “flew” through the finish line. The festivities will include a variety of family friendly activities, including free face painting, a bounce house and play on the St. John’s Lutheran School playground. Winners of the 5K are as follows:

Youth Male Division: 1st – Dennis Rucker, 2nd – Nicholas Boyd, 3rd – Austin Harris;
Youth Female Division: 1st – Callie Metzger, 2nd – Erica Romo, 3rd – Tatum Bumgardner;
Male Divison (18+): 1st - Martin Conner, 2nd – Mike Lancioni, 3rd – Tony Tomal; and
Female Division (18+): 1st – Amie Dworecki, 2nd – Blair Milo, 3rd – Sonja Lancioni.

The event also included a costume contest with guest judges: Blair Milo, Mayor, City of La Porte; Nancy Gettinger, Juvenile Court Magistrate; Kim Sauers, Owner of Sauer’s Automotive; and G. Thor Thordarson, President/CEO IU Health La Porte Hospital. Winners are as follows for the provided categories:

Best Team – Kris and Meagen Grybow;
Best Family – the Stellema Family;
Best Youth Girl, Laynie Puckett;
Best Youth Boy, Ellis Dunham;
Best Adult Female, Jennifer Pauls; and
Best Adult Male, DJ Welch.

“While every child needs a hero, abused and neglected children need superheroes. Every staff member, volunteer, sponsor, guest judge and community member that attended the event is a SUPERHERO for our local children in need.” concluded Karen Biernacki, Executive Director.

Event sponsorship included: Anytime Fitness, Grand Rental Station, IU Health La Porte Hospital, PKR Endodontics, Sauer’s Automotive and St. John’s Lutheran School. Additional Cape Sponsorship was provided by: Castor & Pollux Studios, Dunebrook, Franciscan Alliance – St. Anthony’s Hospital of Michigan City, Friedman and Associates, LLC, Heroes Haven Comics & Games, Indiana Lawyers Directories, New Age Telecom, Inc, Powercapes and Sunset Septic & Excavating. Local churches including: Bethany Lutheran Church, First United Methodist Church and Lamb’s Chapel Methodist Church donated healthy snacks and beverages for the race. Family Express donated 8 dozen donuts to the race. Garwood’s Orchard donated apples and bananas for participants as well.