Mass Media Coverage

Article reproduced with permission of the publisher: Longview News Journal

EAST TEXAS RUNNING: Fund-raising run Saturday in Marshall

By GLENN EVANS

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

A fund-raising run in Marshall Saturday could take participants all the way to Russia.

The third annual Hope Run not only raises money that missionary Sally Allred gives to orphanages in Russia, India and Thailand during a six-month mission beginning in October. It also has the potential to raise up more missionaries and put potential adopting parents on track to welcome an orphan into their lives.

Registration for the 5k and a one-mile fun run through downtown Marshall begins an hour before the 6 p.m. race. Participation costs $15 for adults and $10 for students.

Downtown streets will be blocked for the runners, and paramedics will be on hand to treat injuries.

Allred and run co-founder John Lundstedt are hoping to enroll 200 runners this year. They also hope the event lures more than runners.

"We are trying to reach out also to those who aren't interested in running or walking," Allred said. "So we will have live music, and some games and stories for children that go along with our vision to raise awareness or orphans worldwide, starting at 5:30 p..m. Those who do not want to run or walk will be able to buy a T-shirt for $15 for adults and $10 for children, 100 percent going directly to the orphans we'll be working with."

Allred pays all of her own traveling expenses.

This year, the organizers invited representatives from Buckner International Adoption Agency to bring information on mission trips like Allred's.

"This is an option for students, families and people of all ages," Allred said. "And can I add that it brings greater joy to work with children in need than any cruise or beach trip has ever begun to offer. This would be a real life changing experience for anyone, and I'd like to encourage all those who are interested to go for it, and to use their short life to help and love on kids who really deserve more than children with parents because of what they've been through, but who receive so much less."

The Buckner representatives also will answer questions on adopting orphans born overseas.

Allred also said the church youth group that brings the most participants will win 10 pizzas and free soda served immediately after the run. A fund also is established at all branches of Citizen's National Bank, accepting donations marked, "Sally Allred – Hope Run Account."

For more information, call Lundstedt at (903) 663-2362 or Allred at (903) 927-0094.

Article reproduced with permission of the publisher: Longview News Journal