Racing to raise funds for legal aid
Alumni and friends of Widener Law Commonwealth will be dashing for the finish line this spring.
Phi Alpha Delta- Pepper Chapter law fraternity is partnering with the Widener Law Commonwealth Student Bar Association (SBA) to host the Speedy Trial 5K on April 21. Funds raised will go to support MidPenn Legal Services and the Volunteer Income Tax Program (VITA).
The three-mile race course will wind through campus and a picturesque adjoining neighborhood. A one-mile fun run will also be held. Participants are welcome to walk or run the route.
The week prior to the race a silent auction will be held with items donated from law professors that students can bid on. A raffle will be held the morning of the race and will feature items donated by local businesses, students and student organizations.
“VITA and MidPenn Legal Services provide valuable legal support and resources to needy individuals in the community,” said Genna Moscato, SBA president.
“Organizing and participating in this event allows our students, alumni, faculty and friends of the law school the opportunity to show their gratitude and thanks for all of the services the organizations provide. It’s a great feeling to be able to help and be a part of something bigger.”
Food trucks are also planned for the event, which will give race participants and supporters the opportunity to network and socialize after the race.
Civic engagement is a pillar of the mission at Widener Law Commonwealth, said Mary Catherine Scott, director of student organizations. Each year student organizations across campus hold events to raise funds or donate services to assist non-profit organizations.
“Our primary goal when engaging with service organizations is to encourage our students to give back to the community,” Scott said. “We want to impress upon them the importance of supporting organizations that serve those in need.”
In 2016, the 5k race raised more than $2,200 for MidPenn Legal Services and VITA when it was held in 2015. MidPenn Legal Services is a nonprofit, public interest law firm providing legal services to low-income residents and survivors of domestic violence with legal advice and representation. VITA provides free tax preparation services to needy individuals and families.
“The law school works hard to encourage their students to participate in pro bono work in order to support our community,” said Sarah Stigerwalt, president of Phi Alpha Delta –Pepper Chapter. “By coming together with various law firms and local businesses, we have been able to lay the ground work for a great event to ensure that we can continue to support those who are in need of the assistance that MidPenn and VITA provide.”
Speedy Trial 5K Race and 1- Mile Fun Run Race Information:
When: April 21, 2018
Where: Race starts at Widener Law Commonwealth, 3800 Vartan Way, Harrisburg, PA 17110
Time: Fun Run starts at 9:30 a.m.; 5K starts at 10 a.m.
Details:
The first 300 registrants will receive a race shirt. The price to register will increase on March 9, so be sure to register early. Please be advised that this event is a walk and/or run which will take place rain or shine. We encourage you to bring your family and children to the event as well! Friendly dogs are welcome at the event if you would like to run with your four-legged friend.
Contribution information:
If you would like to donate but not participate in the 5K, here is how:
- Cash or check made out to Widener University, donations can be given to Dorothy Koncar in the Administrative Building at Widener Law Commonwealth in Harrisburg.
- You may register online for the 5K and include a donation amount of your choosing. By registering for the 5K you are eligible to receive a free long-sleeved shirt.