Here comes the sun
In that unique way only the Beatles could say it, John, Paul, Ringo and George sang:
“Here comes the sun
Here comes the sun.”
Finally, after three years of everything from the long trek of a worldwide pandemic and a storm induced cancellation, the sun comes back to us this spring in the form of our 20th annual Community Foundation Run.
On April 9, downtown Gastonia will once again welcome hundreds of eager runners, walkers, volunteers and others — all of whom are working to make Gaston County an even finer place to live, work, and play.
This annual event has raised almost $24 million —every penny of which has been invested back into the community to sustain critical human services that touch virtually everyone in this county throughout the course of our lives.
Scores of organizations as varied as Catawba Lands Conservatory, Potter’s House for Women, and Special Olympics have found critical support through the Run. And finally, at long last the Run is returning like sunshine breaking through the fog.
Recently a local resident who was served by several Community Foundation Run participants showed me a key. At first I wondered why she shared this oddity, but then it hit me.
When her family had faced homelessness and was almost overwhelmed by struggle to stay afloat, several partner agencies rallied around them. The key she showed me was for the front door of the new house her family had finally been able to purchase.
We may not think about it very often, but I am convinced that those who have encountered hard times like this dear family and now have roofs over their heads, food in their pantries, gas in their tanks, routinely breathe thanks that they live in a place that sees the value of helping others.
So, as you survey the many needs around the world during these tumultuous times, consider this unique opportunity to make an impact right in your own ZIP code. Please welcome the sunshine back to Gaston County by supporting your chosen nonprofit organizations through the 2022 Community Foundation Run.
For more information go to cfgaston.org.
This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Here comes the sun
