EmpoweRun 5K raises $68,000 for A Safe Place

Submitted by A Safe Place

The fifth annual EmpoweRun 5K raised almost $68,000 for A Safe Place. The 5K, held May 6, had more than 400 participants running, jogging, and walking the trails of Independence Grove in Libertyville. The EmpoweRun is the oldest and largest walk/run for domestic violence in Lake County.

The top three male runners were Flynn Castellanos (19:20), Vincent Domier (19:28) and Mike Carlson (20:10); the top three female runners were Lindsey Parker (24:18), Ady Figueroa (24:19) and Nancy Gonzalez (24:43).

Attending the race were Congressman Brad Schneider, State Representative Carol Sente, State Senator Melinda Bush, and Zion Township Supervisor Cheri Neal.

Lake County State's Attorney Mike Nerheim proclaimed Saturday, May 6, A Safe Place Day.

"Domestic violence continues to be a significant issue that affects our entire community," Nerheim said. "Far too many people live in the shadows, fearful of coming forward. We want those people to know that there is a network of support out there for them."

The EmpoweRun 5K brings together men, women, children, businesses and partners to support the organization's lifesaving services to victims and their children, assistance in transforming lives after domestic violence, preventing future abuse by addressing its root cause through abuser intervention programs, and education in the community about ending domestic violence.

For 38 years, A Safe Place has served victims of domestic violence and educated Lake County and beyond about the devastating effects of abuse. This year, the 5K comes at a time when domestic violence funding from the State of Illinois was eliminated, threatening the foundation of all programs and services, from the emergency shelter and court advocacy to counseling and life skills.

Last year, more than 500 individuals were turned away due to lack of funding.

Sponsors of the 5K included Northbrook Toyota, Great Lakes Credit Union, Waukegan Police Department, Sports Flags Pennants Company, Consumers Credit Union, Emily's Pancake House, State Senator Melinda Bush, Modern Family Dentists, The Law Offices of David R. Del Re, Corporate Wellness Partners, The Law Offices of Roderick A. Drobinski, Waukegan Exchange Club, Illinois State Representative Carol Sente, Rodriquez Home Inspectors, Noah's Rest, Greenhouse Scholars, Taqueria Guerrero #1 and #2, Redfin, The Law Offices of Jason R. Mercure, and Creative Rehab.

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