Community Corner

Dexter's 'Holiday Hustle' Nets $7,000 for Local Organizations

Event organizers say attendance at the annual 5K run continues to grow.

Thanks to a donation from Think Dexter First, a group dedicated to promoting local business, four nonprofits in Dexter received an early Christmas this year.

The , Athletic Booster Club of Dexter, and Faith in Action each received $1,750 this week from proceeds raised during the annual "" festival.

Mary Pierce, Think Dexter First co-founder, said donations are raised primarily through a collaboration with Running Fit, which sponsors a "Holiday Hustle" 5K charity run in conjunction with the festival.

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"The Holiday Hustle is a microcosm of the best of what we do at Running Fit," president Randy Step said. "That is, to offer the community a chance to be together as one for a healthy evening walk and run, taking in the fresh air and holiday lights. The generosity of the local fitness community made our donation of $7,000 possible. It was a win-win day for all."

The Holiday Hustle averages roughly 1,400 participants and has helped raise $15,000 for Dexter organizations during the past three years, Step said.

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Cindy Glahn, secretary for the ABCD, said the donation will help the athletic boosters purchase vital equipment for student athletes.

"The donation made to the ABCD will enable us to provide additional equipment that will benefit student athletes for years to come," Glahn said. "This event represents what is best about the Dexter community. We are so thankful that Running Fit and Think Dexter First allows us to participate.

"This donation is so important to our student athletes and coaches because the athletic budget for equipment has either been discontinued or significantly reduced based on the sport."

Kim Martini, director of the Dexter Senior Center, said the donations will be used to continue funding programs for seniors throughout the upcoming year.

"These monies come in handy especially during this rough economic times," Martini said.

Pierce said she is always impressed with the response from the local community during the charity run.

"Think Dexter First is proud to collaborate with Running Fit and bring a fun festive activity to the community and at the same time provide donations," she said. "Think Dexter First is true to the community and we look forward to 'Home For The Holidays' every year."

For more information, visit www.dexterholiday.com.


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