It’s not too late to register for the Night of Hope

WEC seeks to top 200 runners/walkers in the third annual event

Don’t miss your last chance to take part in the Night of Hope Saturday, Aug. 24 at Westerville North!

Though there’s less than a week to the Westerville Education Challenge’s 3rd annual Night of Hope 5K, 1-mile, and Family Fun Run – set to take place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at Westerville North’s Jim McCann Stadium – it’s not too late to get in on the fun! Registration remains open, and walk-ups registrants are even welcome at the event Saturday.

“We have 154 (people registered) right now and our goal is 200,” WEC President Laura Hammer said.  “We would really like to see that.”

Run/Walk options and activities

The Night of Hope features fun pre-event activities and games for the whole family, largely run by Hope Squad volunteers from all three Westerville high schools. Enjoy the games, grab a shaved ice treat from the visiting Kona Ice truck, and browse the informational tables set up by many local stakeholders.

Runners and walkers can participate in the quick Family Fun Run, in an official 5K, or tackle a shorter 1-mile course.

The free Family Fun Run is a simple two laps around the track in McCann Stadium and is open to all ages – including children.

The evening concludes with the lighting of luminaries around the McCann Stadium track — shining a light on promoting mental health for all.

The schedule for Saturday, Aug. 24 is:

• 6:15 pm Family Fun Run Start
• 6:45 pm 5K Start
• 6:50 pm 1 Mile Walk Start
• 7:30pm Luminaries and Program

Our wonderful Night of Hope sponsor Jet’s Pizza also will be at the event, serving FREE PIZZA to participants and Volunteers!

Rasing awareness, supporting programs

The Night of Hope is a fundraiser for WEC, and proceeds support WEC’s social-emotional learning initiatives in the Westerville City School District.

Those include Hope Squad, Parent Prep, the W.E.B. program in Westerville middle schools, the new Link Crew mentorship program starting at the high schools this fall, and sponsorship of Twinkle, our Canine Companion support dog trained to provide emotional support for Westerville students.

We look forward to seeing all our friends and supporters at the Night of Hope Aug. 24!