Another Year of Colors

Image courtesy of the Putnam County Record
The second annual Colors for Arie 5K Run/Walk begins at 10 a.m. May 24 in Hennepin at Walter Durley Boyle Park. The event raises awareness of suicide and suicide prevention, highlighting the life of Arie Boggio who committed suicide at the age of 16. Proceeds for this year’s run will go to Community Partners Against Substance Abuse (CPASA).

There almost wasn’t a second year.

“I said, ‘I’m not doing this again,’ but since then people constantly through Facebook and email asked, ‘When’s the next date because I want to bring this person or that person?’” Miller said.

“We did more than double or triple what I thought we’d get,” Carol Miller, Arie’s mother and event organizer said. “I hadn’t even expected a hundred people to show up. When we did a waiver count — and we know everyone didn’t sign a waiver, children and such — we had 408 just with waiver count. I know the helpers didn’t sign in so there was a big chunk of people there.”

That day, Miller made everyone feel welcome and worked to keep the event going although she was disappointed that day.

“I honestly thought, ‘Wow, the turnout wasn’t that great’ until I saw the pictures, and I was surprised,” Miller said. “I never had anything flow and come together like this did. The week after the walk, I started getting contacts from schools and organizations wanting to know how I did it and where I got it.”

Miller said registrations are slow, but she’s not worried since this is the second year of the event. She feels many people are like her and sign up the day of the run.

“CPASA is thrilled. They’re going to be there for support and help. The community’s come together with sponsor money, and businesses I didn’t even know existed are sponsoring this year,” Miller said. “CPASA Director Dawn Conerton is awesome. She’s inspired me and encouraged me to keep on going.”

Will there be a third run?

“Ask me again next year,” Miller said.

Registration for the run before the day is $25 for the run with a T-shirt and $15 without the shirt. On the day of the run, it’s $35 with a shirt and $25 without.

Source: Putnam County Record