Next Saturday morning, local residents will have the opportunity to speak up for kids by participating in the second annual "Speak Up For Kids" 5K and Kids K fun run/walk benefiting the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Deep East Texas.
Helping to make sure the event is successful is race director Dr. Jana L. Redfield, who is the grant coordinator for the College of Science and Mathematics at Stephen F. Austin State University.
The walk/run gets under way at 9 a.m. in Pecan Acres Park, and according to Redfield, the event is for all ages and all skill levels.
"There are two fun runs — a .6-mile course in Pecan Park with medals being awarded to all participants, and a 3.1 mile course with trophies awarded to first through third places in each age group," she said in an e-mail interview. "In addition to the fun run, activities and booths will be set up with free food and drinks, games (including a moon walk), health education information and more. Congressman Louie Gohmert will be on-site to start the race, and singer/songwriter Kasey Landsdale will be performing."
According to Redfield, CASA works closely with the courts and justice system to provide safe environments for abused and neglected children in our community. The organization's mission statement is: Court Appointed Special Advocates of Deep East Texas trains and supervises volunteers to speak in court for child victims of abuse and neglect, in order to effectively prepare them for a hopeful, productive future in a safe permanent home.
"Primarily, the purpose of the CASA 5K is that it promotes awareness of CASA, raises funds to allow for the recruitment and training of CASA volunteers, and 3) provides our community with a healthy, educational, and fun family-oriented event," she said.
Here's a closer look at the race director for the upcoming CASA walk/run:
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What is your favorite book, TV show, movie and song? Favorite books/authors: Anything from Barbara Kingsolver and Frank McCourt's "Angela's Ashes." TV shows: "Boston Legal" and "The Office." Song: Newest favorite song is Zac Brown's "Free."
What magazines do you read? Veranda and Texas Monthly.
What book are you reading now? Just started the seventh Harry Potter (I can't believe I'm admitting this... my daughter made me do it!)
Hobbies? Cycling, travel, hiking, cooking and raising my chickens.
What are your pet peeves? Hidden agendas (oh, wait ... I'm promoting CASA here). Actually, as my friends would say ... "don't get her started!"
Family background? Husband of 20 years is John David (J.D.) Redfield; daughters are Carley Rae Redfield and Cori Ellison Redfield.
Second choice for a career? Why? A chef, because I love to cook and eat!
Favorite vacation spot? Staniel Cay.
Describe a perfect day: Riding through the Big Bend with J.D. (on the back of a Goldwing) listening to Willie Nelson.
The most common thing people say about me is? They probably don't say it to my face. Ha!
