BELLEFONTE — With Veterans Day around the corner, the Give ’Em Five Run for Veterans on Nov. 6 let participants help local struggling veterans and participate in a fun and challenging race through Bellefonte.
The 5K and 5-mile race is the largest event and money maker for the Centre County Veterans Assistance Fund, which is in place to help veterans who are in need of some financial assistance in the county, said Gerald Lyons, who helps run the fund.
“There are some veterans who need help with paying for heat or problems with their housing, so we help them,” said Lyons.
The fund has helped approximately 88 veterans and widows of veterans in the county over the past five years and donated more than $86,000, but there is still more of a need, according to Lyons. The majority of the funds go toward housing and heating costs. Recently, the group helped a Korean War veteran in Philipsburg who needed a new roof on his house.
Runner Bob Shafer, of Bellefonte, knows how important the cause is. The disabled veteran finished in first place in the 5-mile race. He injured his back during a parachuting training exercise in the Army and says running helps him keep his core strong. Shafer knows that it can be difficult for some veterans transitioning back from the military and is glad to help.
“This is great cause and helps some veterans who really need it,” said Shafer. “With the cost of living so high, it can be hard for disabled vets, and vets in general. So this is just a fantastic cause.”
Shafer and the other race participants were led by Army specialists Brian Parfitt and Devon Caudell, who drove ahead in a Humvee. They agreed that the runners were there to help a great cause.
“I am glad to be out here as I personally have had to use the benefits that come from races like this, so yeah I can tell you it is a great cause,” said Parfitt. “It is great to see these runners out here helping our veterans.”
Delores Brobeck has been race director for the past three years, and although it is a lot of work, it is something she said she is compelled to do because her father and ex-husband were both veterans and she knows the sacrifices that vets make.
The race offers awards for different age group winners and door prizes. Runners all receive a T-shirt and there is well-earned food available after the race. The race could not be done without the support of volunteers and the many sponsors who give generously to the cause, said Brobeck.
The Veterans Assistance Fund continues to accept donations and holds fundraisers throughout the year. The group will be selling coupon books at the Nittany Mall through Saturday, Nov. 12.
To donate or volunteer, email veteransassistancefund@gmail.com.
