The community is invited to participate in the “Dash for Dawn Center” that is taking place through April 1-30. Participants will be doing more than raising needed funds for the Hernando agency. They’ll be celebrating the origins of the landmark county agency that has pursued a mission to break the cycle of domestic and sexual violence by providing supportive services and leadership that promotes social change since 1993.
So in honor of that, the community is invited to celebrate the Dawn Center’s bright beginnings in your most neon 90s gear. There are sponsorship opportunities for the upcoming Dash for Dawn Center Virtual 5K event as well. This is a great way to make an impact in your community and help a great cause. Participants have the option of participating in a Virtual 5K April 1-30, or a live 5K at a set “meet-up” that is scheduled to take place April 2 in Brooksville and April 30 in Spring Hill.
Dawn Center Executive Director Shannon Sokolowski stated, “‘Dash for Dawn Center’ is an annual fundraiser for Dawn Center’s sexual assault program. The event is celebrating its 9th year. The normal 5k event went virtual two years ago due to the pandemic. Because of the unpredictable nature of the current public health situation, we are keeping the virtual 5K option but adding the option of two in-person ‘meet ups’ for those who are ready to go out and run or walk with a group.” Regardless of the option they choose, participants will be supporting a great cause.
Sokolowski shared that 100% of the proceeds will go to supporting the survivors at the Dawn Center, through the programs and services they receive. The services the Dawn Center provides at no cost to the survivor are the following:
– Emergency shelter
– 24 hour hotline service (call or text)
– Legal advocacy
– Economic justice
– Transitional housing
– Outreach services
– Injunction for protection attorney assistance
– Community awareness and prevention education
For this 5K-your-way, participants can walk, run, etc., on a treadmill, out with friends, or at one of two local meet-ups. The event spans the entire month of April, which is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. As such, participants are encouraged to wear teal to express their support for assault survivors and to dress in their best 90s attire. An event description read, “It’s time to break out your fanny packs, scrunchies, puffy socks, neon clothes, and high-top sneakers. Send us your videos or pictures as you participate, and we will be happy to post! All participants will receive an event T-shirt and finishing certificate.”
The fee for participating in the Dash for Dawn Center is $35, which includes shirt, certificate, and goodie bag. Visit https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/SpringHill/DashforDawnCenter to sign up. Sponsorships for the “Dash for Dawn Center” range from $100 to $1,500, and the perks include runner entries, T-shirt logos, and recognition at opening and closing ceremonies.
Contact [email protected] or call 352-639-0892 to see how you can become a community sponsor for this year’s Dash for Dawn Center Virtual 5K.
