War Memorial partners with Grosse Pointe Sunrise Rotary for annual run
Whether you participate or donate, the Grosse Pointe Sunrise Rotary Run is positioned to be a chance to help others, like veterans.
The 45th annual run is set for Saturday, Sept. 21, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Pier Park, located at 350 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Farms. The War Memorial is a proud sponsor of the run, which is seen as a fun, healthy hometown tradition. The series of races include a 5K and 10K run, 5K competitive walk and 5K wheelchair, 1-mile fun run, and a leisure 5K walk.
“What I love about Rotary is our national, international, and local impact, all at the same time,” Club President Sandra Cobb said. “If you have a heart of service and want to make a difference in the world, that seems like a huge task by yourself but with Rotary, you can partner with like-minded people around the world.”
With the race, Cobb said that it’s nice to see the real impact that it has on young people.
“They worked hard to get through high school and they have dreams and we get a chance to invest in these dreams,” she said.
Funds raised by Rotary from the run go toward scholarships to graduating seniors. In the past year, Rotary provided $27,500 worth of scholarships.
Race Director John Brooks describes Grosse Pointe Sunrise Rotary Club as business and professional leaders who give back to the local community and the international community at large. Brooks has been involved with the club from the beginning.
The run marks the first time that the Sunrise Rotary has partnered with The War Memorial.
“With this being The War Memorial’s 75th anniversary, we thought it would be a great idea to partner and add some runners,” Club Administrator Dennis Hyduk said. “We’re so happy to have The War Memorial partnering with us and celebrating their 75th anniversary.”
To sign up to join The War Memorial team, click here. Proceeds raised by War Memorial team members will benefit the Patriotic Programming Fund, which provides free programming and special events for veterans and their families at The War Memorial. As part of registration, run participants will also receive a T-shirt, which includes The War Memorial logo. Even if not running or walking, folks can still support The War Memorial by making a donation.
Race registration is from 7 to 8:30 a.m. The fun run starts at 8:30 a.m., with the 5K and 10K events taking off at 9 a.m. Hyduk noted that last year, the run attracted around 400 participants.
Since 1991, the local club has served the Grosse Pointe community and beyond. Grosse Pointe Sunrise Rotary is part of Rotary International, one of the largest humanitarian service organizations in the world. Through its 501 (c) (3) foundation, the club supports many international projects, along with working hard to be effective locally.
Regarding The War Memorial’s 75th anniversary, Cobb noted that our nonprofit organization has been making a difference in supporting the community.
“When we come together, we can leverage the strength of both of our organizations and can have a greater impact that way,” she said.
Grosse Pointe Sunrise Rotary Club, 34 members strong, meets on Tuesday mornings at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores.
For more details on the run and to register, click here.