On Saturday morning at 8 a.m., March 24, northwest Floridians of all ages can run or walk for the right reasons in downtown Pensacola:  providing medical care, food, and clothes for the area’s uninsured and unemployed.

For the fourth year, St. Joseph Catholic Church will host the Dogwood Dash, a three-mile race and one-mile fun run.  Proceeds will benefit the St. Joseph’s Medical Clinic and the Caring & Sharing ministry; both are free community services staffed by volunteers.  Last year’s $6,500 net earnings were equally divided between the two non-profits.

Begun in 2002 by retired heart surgeon, David Conkle, the medical clinic served 5,731 uninsured people in 2011; it relies on donations and grants, 77 volunteer medical professionals, and a 28 member volunteer staff.

“Each week last year, we helped more than 110 people with medications, lab work, social services, and acute dental care,” says volunteer Clinic Coordinator, William Brown.  “The value of our free services is over a million dollars; so Dogwood Dash runners and walkers really do it for the right reasons.”

Volunteer Gloria Green coordinates the Caring & Sharing Ministry.  Twice a week, we give out donated food and clothing; once a week a hot meal’s provided.  Green says Dash funds are crucial.  “This is the fourth year we’ll use the money to buy food and help pay upkeep costs.  Last year our Dash money helped feed and clothe 7,634 people.”

Dogwood Dash participants will receive a race shirt with their packets and a pancake breakfast after the race.  Age group awards will be given in over 15 categories.  There will also be a one-mile fun run/walk.

Race organizer, Ted Ruckstuhl, encourages people to sign up early.  “Lots of runners support this race because it helps others.  We expect over 500 runners this year.”

Ruckstuhl’s wife, Grace, also helps with the race.  “The clinic and ministry are one-stop-shops for medical care, food, and clothing.  We’re just helping our neighbors.”

 

Registration:  Applications available at St. Joseph Church or email tjruck@bellsouth.net

$18 for adults, $12 for children. (Postmarked by Wed., March 14.)

(Late registration, $20; Day of race, $25)

Make checks payable to St. Joseph Church, Dogwood Dash.

Mail to:

St. Joseph Church

P.O. Box 13566

Pensacola, FL 32591-3566

 

Register in person:      St. Joseph Church Office

Mon.-Fri. 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  436-6461×10

140 W. Government St. at the intersection of Spring St.

 

More information:       Ted or Grace Ruckstuhl  438-4322

St. Joseph Church Office 436-6461×10