2019 FORT 5K

Don't even know where to begin...

So I'll start with thank you's.  

Last summer we had dinner with Kyle Boze and his wife after he was hired as the new girls Basketball coach.  Talked a little about the 5K, and a LOT about Melissa.    He talked about doing a project with his class for the 5K.

Didn't have a clue what he had in mind, but WOW.  His advertising class took on the 5K - Promotions/Attendance/Sponsorships/Donations.  Great experience for juniors and seniors.

There was a great response from former sponsors and new sponsors.  And they did a lot of media promotion - especially on Twitter (I added a little to Facebook).  

I think our biggest turnout was probably the first year when the Bob Franz' softball team did the first 5K.  That year it was B POSITIVE 5K.  I'm guessing it was 150+ participants.  Impressive for sure!

I think this year the promotions definitely helped, and the weather always has an impact too.  It was beautiful this year. (I think it was the first sunny day we've had in weeks!)  The temperature was perfect too.

Thank you Kyle Boze and your entire class for promoting the 5K this year.  Anxious to talk to the class tomorrow to hear their ideas and comments.  

Thank you Jenn Lammlein for getting the date on the calendar-way back in the fall!  Couldn't have chosen a better day!

This would not work if we did not have the volunteers we have....starting with the set-up (Kyle, his wife, Leanne (my cousin),  Jeremy Finn (girls coach) and his assistants.  

The registration volunteers - MaryBeth, Jean, Sharlotte, Amanda, Sandy, Nancy - it was crazy this year and you made it go smoothly.  Thank you!

Jodi Butler  & Marcy Brescia - volunteer photographers.  And Madison Bartley (one of our basketball players took on photography duties as well!  Thank you!

Jim Berlon - donates the water every year.

Sponsors:

Chief Printing

Submarine House

House of 10,000 Picture Frames

Rubi Girls

Golden Nugget

Carlyle House

Advocare (Dawn Funk)

Redline Motorworks

Vector Marketing

Doubledays

Runner's Plus

Archers Tavern

OinkadoodleMoo

MCL Restaurant & Bakery

Product Donors (Raffles/Door Prizes):

Ritter's Frozen Custard

Stan the Donut Man (helped put Melissa through college - she worked there from age 14-21!)

Fricker's

Hill's and Dales Florist

B Dubs

Interlude Nail Salon (Shana Parham)

Michelle Rinehart, LMT (One hour massage)

Big Sky Bread

Terre Donoghue (matted/framed prints)

Nancy Kramer (cards)

Individual donors:

Jeanne Beachler

Denis & Susan Ream

Roger & Pam Bauser

and of course EVERYONE who registered and participated that day!

I tend to worry about things, get a little stressed sometimes.  I shouldn't have.  I shouldn't.

Many hands make light work.  I say it all the time.  That is exactly how the day went.  Lots of volunteers and a LOT of sunshine.  It was perfect!

And I can't forget Cheryl McHenry (Channel 7 anchor.  More importantly, my friend since 5th grade!) was our emcee again this year.  She not only emcees, she run's the 5K as well.  Thanks Cheryl for never turning us down!

This year was a little different - the students thought a Color Run would bring more kids in.  Don't know if it was the color run, but we definitely had more students this year.  Lots more tickets in the bucket for the $1000 Scholarship!  We LOVE that!!!!

Enough talking - here's a few pics from the day!

Registration volunteers: MaryBeth, Sharlotte, Leanne, Amanda (&Me)

Raffle baskets

More volunteers Nancy (2 Speedy feet workers) Jean

Birds Nest advisor - set up kiosk for raffle tickets! Awesome!

Registration getting started around 7 a.m.

Some of Mr. Boze's student volunteers

Donny, Billy Combs & Thomas (have done every 5K!)

Donny & Chris Schreel - part of the rugby family!!!

Grandma Fortener

Fairmont Softball team

Water donation - thanks Jim Berlon!

WW friends!

Maybe the youngest runner?

My best friend from WW.  Jim.

Prink Ribbon Girls

Greenmont Runners Club

Jenn Lammlein.  Without her, we wouldn't have a date!

Cheryl McHenry (L)

Army recruiter ran the 5K too!

Nancy wearing one of the many different FORT shirts!

Student volunteer at Kiosk

Nancy's son Max.  Overall winner in men's division!

Part of the Schulte family.

Far right - Alexandra - one of Mr. Boze's students

Bridget (Freshman coach) and Deb - MM friend.

Fort's friend's kids.

Waiting for raffles/awards

the winner of the $1000 scholarship!

Ian Webber - Junior

One of the Donoher girls!  

Kristen, Jim's daughter - overall winner of the Women's division

Max - winner in the Men's division

Kyle Boze, his wife and student Emma

Wilbur Wright friends

Angie & Bennett (one of Fort's best friends)

Me, Donny & the Schulte family (part of the Schulte family!)

Ruggers representing - so happy to see so many this year!!!

My family.  Me & Leanne.  We need to do better.  

Fortener's ALWAYS well represented!!!

Our Compassionate Friends.

Nick's friends

We have a few of these left - didn't have a complete list of winners.

If you were in the top three in your division and didn't get yours, please let us know.

In the meantime, we'll try to get in touch with you!!!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.  From the bottom of our hearts.

Trying to pay back all the kindnesses we have received (and continue to receive)!

If you were a part of this, you are Paying it Forward.

Thank you.

(Love you Melissa.  You would have loved this!!!!)

Later this week - we made a visit to Ohio University.  Melissa was there.  More later.

And even more - two seniors will receive $1000 FORT Scholarships this week as well.

And Andrew's Wax Museum...

Two more posts.  Then probably a drought for awhile.  That's how I roll lately.