 |
 |
|
|
Airport Community Runs To Raise Money For Disaster Relief And Houston Charities HOUSTON - Over 450 runners and walkers participated in the first Runway Race for Life at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) today. Proceeds from this 5K-race benefit 10 area non-profit agencies and the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Originally scheduled to run on a taxiway alongside an active runway, the race was moved to the north and southbound service roads of the John F. Kennedy Boulevard entrance to the airport, due to heightened airport security. Initially the Runway Race for Life was planned to benefit 10 non-profit agencies that are part of the Combined Municipal Campaign (CMC), in which city of Houston employees raise money through payroll deductions and various fundraisers. “When the aviation community experienced the tragic events in New York and Washington DC, we knew we had to do something,” said aviation director Rick Vacar. “A number of the organizers and corporate sponsors said they wanted to do something to help their fellow Americans.” As a result, 25 percent of the race proceeds will go to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. KHOU-TV (CBS) anchor Lisa Foronda and KRBE-FM morning host Sam Malone joined Houston Airport System Director Rick Vacar and Houston Texans Coach Dan Riley in the opening ceremonies. To honor the victims of the tragedies in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania opening ceremonies included an honor guard presentation by the 147th Air National Guard from Ellington Field (EFD) and patriotic music where many racers sang-along. Houston police officers and firefighters join the group of 120 volunteers in the festivities and provided security and medical assistance. Spirited by Houston Texans cheerleaders and cheerleaders from nearby Aldine Middle School, many of the racers waved American flags as they ran. A post race award ceremony featured music, food, and door prizes provided by sponsoring companies. A raffle was also held for basketballs autographed by former Houston Rockets basketball star Clyde Drexler and the Houston Comets, airline tickets, hotel accommodations, artwork, a color television and various other prizes. Race awards were given in various categories including overall, age groups and corporate teams. The Runway Race for Life is expected to be an annual event by the Houston Airport System to raise money for the Combined Municipal Campaign (CMC). The CMC is an annual campaign in which city employees pledge a payroll deduction or participate in other fundraising activities such as the CMC golf tournament. Last year, the City of Houston raised over $634,000 for some 500 local, state and national charities. The Houston Airport System raised nearly $37,000 with 67 percent participation from its employees. “The response to this event has been overwhelming, even before the tragedies” said race organizer Valerie Prevost. “Our goal for this event was $15,000, but it looks like we will raise well over $35,000." "A great support by corporate sponsors helped put us well over the top,” added Prevost. Corporate sponsors include: Air Jamaica, AirTran Airways, Binkley & Barfield Consulting Engineers, Brown & Root Services, Bush Group, CA 1, Camp Dresser & McKee Inc., Carter-Burgess, Charles D. Gooden Consulting Engineers Inc., Claunch & Miller Inc., CLR Inc., Coca-Cola, Continental and Continental Express, Dietrich Coffee Express, Dreyers Ice Cream, Entertainment One, Enron, Fit and Fun Yogurt, Fleet Feet Sports, Marriott Hotels, Harlan's BBQ, Hertz, Houston Airport System, Houston Aviation Alliance, Houston Air Cargo Association, Hu Associates, Hudson Group, Klotz Associates Inc. Consulting Engineers, Koala Health & Wellness Centers, Landtech Consultants Inc., Nathelyne A. Kennedy & Associates, New South Parking, The PB Team, Popcorn Express Company Inc., PriceWaterhouse Coopers, Qualitron Aero Services, Ratnala & Bhal Inc., Southwest Airlines, STOA International Architects, Thompson Professional Group Inc., 3D/International, Thrifty Car Rental, Walter P. Moore, Waste Management and Wilson's Leather. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Copyright © 2004-2008 - Houston Airport System. All rights reserved | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions |
Comments or Questions: Comment Form or Email Us Designed by Derek Consulting and Advarion Incorporated |