After its annual 5k run/walk went virtual in 2020 and was skipped entirely the following year, Mothers Matter is bringing it back on Saturday, Oct. 23, at Washington Lake Park.
“It was a big decision to do this, go back to in person,” said Lauren Rose Albert Foundation founder Susan Rose. “So many other businesses and organizations are nowhere near full strength, and we are working with a smaller group. But we have done it before, and we are excited about it.”
Mothers Matter is part of the nonprofit foundation, whose main goal is to help mothers in need regardless of age, race, social or economic background. Mothers Matter hosts fundraisers year-round to create scholarships and opportunities for women with children, as well as creating baskets filled with necessities like notebooks and self-care products for mothers going through difficult times, such as having a child in the hospital.
The baskets are put together through funds collected during Mothers Matter events like the run/walk, the organization’s largest fundraising effort of the year. This year’s event will also include the Basket Raffle at the Run.
“They went overboard this year getting donations for the baskets,” said Rose. “We are trying to encourage people who live in the area to come to the raffle, because it will be awesome.”
This year’s run/walk will feature more than 40 baskets created by Mothers Matter volunteers, all with a unique theme. The group has collected donations for weeks that have resulted in $2,500 in gift cards, services and other items. Some of the items included were also donated by the volunteers. Anyone who participates in the run/walk will receive a complimentary raffle ticket.
“We don’t know the turnout we will get because we have been away for two years,” said Rose. “Some of the people who came to previous events might have moved on, but we have reached out to everyone we can and are hoping they come back. We had 300 to 400 people in 2019, and if we get 50 to 60 percent of that, we will be happy.”
While most of the money raised during the event will go toward creating Mother’s Day baskets, some of the funds will benefit Mothers Matter emergency and education grant programs. Grants are offered to women in need of financial assistance.
“Each program has its own needs,” Rose noted. “We do tell the stories and a general overview of the women’s stories on the website. This is our background; it is what we do behind the scenes.”
Event planners will welcome the township’s police honor guard and singer Melanie Steward from Kidz4Cuz, who will perform the national anthem. The race will begin at 9 a.m, rain or shine. Throughout the day, patrons will hear music by DJ Swing & Sway with Jimmy K. as well as light refreshments.
Walk/run registration is available at https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Sewell/MothersMatter5K. There is a $30 registration fee for those who sign up to run prior to race day, and $35 the day of the race. Walkers pay $25 or $30 on the day of the event. Children 14 and under have a flat fee of $15.
This year, the organization has also offered a virtual component for $25 as well as a Sleep Walker, a $25 option for those who do not want to participate but would still like to donate to Mothers Matter. Prizes will be awarded to top male and female runners as well as top male and female finishers in all age groups.
“We want people to know that we are here to help,” Rose explained. “If you are struggling and you have a family and are working and are trying to get by … we are here. We always wish we could do more.”
For more information about the event and the organization, visit https://www.laurenslegacy.org.
