In the early hours of June 27, 2009, the members of Charity League gathered in the TGIF parking lot for an event that had been more than a year in the making. Let’s flashback to April 2008 when Janine Jacob and I met to discuss the possibility of a 5K. Several ideas were tossed around, and the plan was to aim for an event in the summer or fall of 2008. Those plans were not to be though, and the 5K would be pushed back to 2009. Many
things had to be done in order for this dream to become a reality. A date had to be finalized, sponsors needed to be found, the route needed to be approved by the city, along with countless other things. Our Charity League ladies pulled together and managed to make a successful event. Sponsors were found. Many thanks to Activate Martinsville and Henry County, Hooker Furniture, The Eye Site, Star-Tek, Dr. James Isernia, Martinsville Henry County Chamber of Commerce, Daniel, Medley & Kirby, P.C. Attorneys-At-Law, River Community Bank, and Norris Funeral Service. 

The route was created and approved by the city. This would not have happened without the support and help of Robert Ramsey of the City Police Department. He was instrumental in developing and measuring the route. After many possibilities, the date was set for June 27. Would we be able to pull it off? As of June 27, we had around 35 participants. Many people reassured us that lots of people would come out the day of the race to register, and they did. We managed to have over 80 participants when everything was said and done. The morning of the race went well and we didn’t lose anyone! We had lots of praise from the runners in the race and are shooting for the 2nd Annual It’s for the Kids 5K to be held in late May 2010.