Hundreds Refuse To Let Rain Dampen Spirit Of Giving

WESTERVILLE, Ohio —The sky may have been cloudy Monday, but hundreds of runners did not let that keep them from trying to brighten the future of complete strangers.

As many as 500 people laced up their shoes for the second annual “Run 4 the Health of It” 4-mile run and walk in Westerville. The event is coordinated by the Central Ohio Primary Care Physicians Foundation and Doctor Jim Dorado says the goal is simple.

“We want to give back to the community and the 13 percent of the population that lack health care access.  We’re just trying to provide funding into food banks, homeless shelters, around central Ohio,“ Dorado says.

Last year, the group raised $68,000 and the goal with this year’s race is to raise another $40,000.

Participants were also encouraged to bring canned food to the event. That food that will be given to those who need it most.

“The need is great,“ says Cheryl Wooten with the Westerville Area Resource Ministry. “In the Westerville community alone, one in four families qualify for free and reduced lunches.“

Before the race kicked off, runners and walkers were in good spirits, ready to help out a good cause.

“This is a great charity, the foundation and it’s nice to support everybody and just get the community involved. It’s really nice,“ shared participant Jeff Lohr.

NBC 4 Anchor Mindy Drayer emceed the event.

For additional information, stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com—Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail .
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video