Whether they choose to run, walk or even participate online, those who attend the Dash for Dawn Center 5k are empowering families in need of a little help to make their ‘home stretch’ that leads to a better life.
This year marks the grand Pearl Anniversary of the annual Dash for Dawn Center 5k and a one-mile support walk. This event supports survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence served by Dawn Center of Hernando County, a nonprofit organization celebrating 30 years of service to the community this year. It will be held on April 15 at Tom Varn Park, 301 Darby Ln., Brooksville.
Shannon Sokolowski, Dawn Center executive director, described the Dash as a major fund-raiser for her agency. The organization hosts a domestic violence shelter and offers counseling, support groups, a helpline and educational resources regarding these issues.
“Dawn Center has been proudly hosting the annual Dash event since 2013,” she said. “The race event went virtual in 2020 and will proudly return in person on April 15, 2023, at Tom Varn Park in Brooksville. This year’s event has the options of a timed 5k race, one-mile support walk or a virtual 5k for those who still want to support on their own or from a distance.”
Aside from supporting survivors, the Dash for Dawn Center also honors and rewards those who lend a helping hand. “April is Sexual Assault Awareness month, so we will honor survivors with survivor-created art on display,” said Sokolowski. “Refreshments and awards ceremony will follow.”
There are indeed many ways the community can support the Dash for Dawn Center. Sokolowski shared, “Dash for Dawn Center also has vendor slots and sponsorship opportunities available.” The check-in for the Dash 5K begins at 4 p.m., with the race start time following at 5 p.m. All participants get an event T-shirt, a finishing medal and a goodie bag.
The price to participate is a $50 Race Fee plus a $4 signup fee. The registration price increases to $55 after March 31, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
Guests also have the option of participating in a One-Mile Support Walk at the Dash for Dawn Center. Check-in begins at 4 p.m., and the walk starts at 5 p.m. The walkers will begin immediately after the 5k participants, engaging in a stroll that is not a timed event. All participants get an event T-shirt and a goodie bag. The price for participation is a $20 race fee plus a $2.20 sign-up fee.
Those who want to 5k their way can run, walk, bike or 5k any way you want as a part of the Dawn for Dash Center Virtual 5K at any time from now until April 15th. The price for participation is $35 Race Fee, plus a $3.10 signup fee. Registration ends April 15, at 11:59 pm EDT.
Registration is open at https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Brooksville/
Dash4DawnCenter and will continue through the day of the event. Questions about the event can be directed to [email protected] or (352)639-0892. All event proceeds will support programming for survivors at Dawn Center of Hernando County, a nonprofit organization. Those with questions about this race, please contact the race director at [email protected].
