The Capital Striders Annual Dinner felt a bit like a family reunion ~ a very big family reunion. Eighty-four members filled the tables at the Iowa Machine Shed restaurant where the overall clad wait staff served up a family-style meal of chicken, pork, homemade bread and delicious side dishes. Topped off with a cookie, it was a meal Grandma would've been proud to serve.
President Mike McGinn presided over the business portion of the evening. Guest speakers included Abby Fellingham of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Korrie Hoskins of See-Us Run Des Moines, Todd Schemper, Chairman of the Capital Striders Scholarship Committee and Tim Dwight, football and track standout and head of the Tim Dwight Foundation.
Fellingham spoke of the importance of the Tour De Lights and Jolly Holiday Lights. This past year proceeds from these two events helped fund more than 35 wishes, with each wish having an average cost of $8,300.00. Member Carl Voss told how the Tour De Lights started with the Striders as a small event, but has grown through the years, this year attracting more than 1,000 participants.
Hoskins discussed See-Us Run Des Moines ~ a mentoring program through the Des Moines Public Schools that pairs local runners with at risk students to help them train for the Des Moines Marathon. In its third year of operation, the program has seen very positive results in the teens utilizing the program. Hoskins encouraged members to apply to be mentors at: www.iowakidstrong.com.
In club business, Schemper relayed that there were 23 applicants for last year's three $1,000.00 scholarships. Out of the many qualified students, the committee chose Tanelle Berard of Dowling Catholic High School, Drew Prescott of Urbandale High School and Kelsey McDougal of Roosevelt High School. The deadline for submitting applications for this year's scholarships is April 6.
The "Golden Shoe Sponsor of the Year" award went to Fitness Sports for their continued support of the Capital Striders. Their most visible contribution is in their sponsorship of our Winter/Spring Training Runs. Our Board and runners are very grateful for the weekly maps and water support they provide every Saturday morning January through May!
This year's "Volunteer of the Year" is Brad Dains. Brad served as our Saturday morning training group coordinator for our Summer/Fall training runs, ensuring our volunteers had the equipment necessary to keep our runners well- hydrated ~ a very important task!
Four new members were voted onto the Board of Directors: Brad Dains, Ellen Wade, Steve Halstead and Kristy Feldman. All four will serve two-year terms.
Tim Dwight was the Guest Speaker and gave a very energetic presentation. He spoke briefly of his sporting accomplishments, his Tim Dwight Football Camp and his Tim Dwight Foundation, but the majority of his time was spent discussing his passion for, and belief in, solar energy. Dwight is invested in solar energy not only as a businessman, but also as a true believer in its importance for the future of the United States and the world.
The evening ended with great door prizes going to some lucky members. Many thanks go to our Sponsors who generously donated gifts and services for this drawing:
Byron's Best Massage Compass Chiropractic Fitness Sports Iowa Health Out patient Therapy Kyle's Bikes and Fitness Peggi Taylor Personal Best Massage Scheels All Sports The Body Project Wade Wearmouth WCM Metalworks Work Systems Rehab Aspen Athletic Clubs Prairie Life Fitness