Hundreds of people, young and old, will dress up like superheroes for the 4th Annual Super Hero Fun Run on Saturday, September 20 in downtown Flint. The Weiss Child Advocacy Center is encouraging schools and businesses to challenge their employees, sports teams, coaches, teachers and faculty to participate in this fun and easy race to support vital services for abused and neglected children in Genesee County. "There are about 2,000 confirmed cases of child abuse and neglect each year in Genesee County. More than ever, these kids need a hero, and that's what the Superhero Fun Run is all about – making sure Weiss can be a hero for kids who need it the most," said Marcia Franks, Interim Executive Director of the Weiss Child Advocacy Center.
The event features a 1k and a 5k run which both start and end at the University Pavilion, 303 East Kearsley Street, downtown Flint. Participants can check-in at 8:00 a.m. inside the University Pavilion, with races starting at 9:00 a.m. (5K) and 9:45 a.m. (1K). Walking is permitted, as are strollers and wagons. 5K registration is $25 for adults and $15 for children; 1K registration $15 for adults and $5 for children. Registration is FREE for participants who collect at least $25 in pledges. Online registration is available at: https://superherofunrun2014.eventbrite.com
Afterwards, families can enjoy activities inside the Pavilion until 11:00a.m. featuring the Sloan Museum, and Flint Comix, along with a photo booth and a caricature artist. Additional sponsors include: ABC-12, Applegate Chevrolet, ELGA Credit Union, Genesys Regional Medical Center, Genesee Health System, McLaren Flint, UAW Region-1D, and Yeo & Yeo. The Weiss Child Advocacy Center provides a place for abused children to tell their stories in a safe, child-friendly environment, with a single adult to compassionately listen, examine, and ask all the necessary questions.
Medical exams are also provided onsite by specially-trained medical personnel, in the same safe and child-friendly environment, making them less traumatic and stressful to children. These services have a direct impact on Genesee County's ability to prosecute and punish child abusers. Local officials say they are at least 50% more likely to prosecute abusers successfully with the help of the Center's services.
The Weiss Child Advocacy Center speaks for the voiceless; defends the defenseless; and saves those whose lives would otherwise be finished before they began. For more information, please visit the Weiss Advocacy Center website at www.WeissAdvocacyCenter.org <http://www.weissadvocacycenter.org/> or call 810-238-3333.
