Anchor of Hope’s Inaugural 5k Run/Walk

About 40 participants turned out for the first Anchor of Hope Charities 5K Run/Walk along the northern shore of Geist Reservoir Saturday, Sept. 22nd.

The effort—spearheaded by Geist residents Judy Kendall and Kevin Donnelly—helps orphanages in Southern Africa. The non-profit organization develops land for crops and
builds dorm rooms, classrooms, clinics and even chapels to create a healthier living environment.

It is an effort special to both of them, having seen first-hand the needs of orphaned and abandoned children in Southern Africa.

Kendall, a certified project manager and experienced fundraiser, and Donnelly, a medical researcher at Lilly and a Zimbabwe-born British immigrant, put together this first fundraiser, which brought in close to $4,000 dollars. The money will go toward starting Anchor of Hope’s very first project –improving and expanding Anchor Orphanage in Zambia, slated to get underway next Spring.

The runners/walkers paid a $22 dollar registration fee and took off from the Marina and headed down the Fall Creek Road bikepath . A Wisconsin couple, in town for a wedding, read about the effort online and joined in on the fun. But, it wasn’t all just for fun. Dorothy Nicol of Tomah, Wis., was named first place female runner! Eric Smith of Westfield took the top prize for male runner.

Kendall says she is happy with the turn out and wants to thank an amazing team of volunteers and crew members, including Bill Webster, Ashley Kendall, Chilufya Longwe, Bill Roberts, Brenna Donnelly, Barry Donnelly, Gabe Donnelly, Al Loper and Bridget Bolles. A team of high school students also helped out, including Taylor Webster, Andrew Thornton and Steven Gillian.

“We hope to do this again next year!” says Kendall enthusiastically.