Flutists Serenade Runners to Benefit Charitable Health Care Initiative

Just about every weekend in State College during the warm spring and summer months, you can find a run to participate in.

They typically start at a park, take a lap around town, and return to the start line, all in the name of some charitable cause.

It’s not often you find a unique take on the typical 5K, but one local charity is doing just that with a musical running experience.

The Flutopia Initiative was started three years ago, inspiring flutists (and other musicians) to come together and entertain some local runners. The organization raises money for Centre Volunteers in Medicine and Doctors Without Borders.

“Together we can make a difference aiding with a variety of needs both here in the U.S. and abroad, ranging from lack of food, shelter, and medical care to personal safety and education,” Flutopia creator Cathy Herrera says.

“This is for the people who have no idea what it would be like to own a musical instrument, or have the privilege of studying music, because they are simply trying to survive in life. It’s also for those who have fallen on hard times, or unexpected life challenges, and are trying to reconstruct their lives.”

Centre Volunteers in Medicine is part of a national organization that opens volunteer clinics to address health care needs. The center provides medical and dental care at no cost to uninsured residents of Centre County.

Runners made their way around the beautiful greenery of Tudek Park with musicians stationed along the path to urge them on.

“It’s a great cause to come out and support and a fun experience, a different experience,” Chris Aaron. “I usually get pretty zoned in when I run and I use my earbuds, but the music was a welcome change.”

The event is organized by flutist Herrera, who wanted to combine her passion for running and music to give back to the community through philanthropy. The race has raised thousands for CVIM in just three years, and the hope is that it will only expand in the years to come.