Runners Drenched in Color for a Cause

Saturday, May 4th, people of all ages lined up for the 5K run/walk held at the Valparaiso University campus. Before the race, everyone was asked to bow their heads in prayer:

"We ask that you give comfort and healing to all those devastated by the Boston Marathon bombing. And finally Father, we thank you again for this day, this incredible event, and we ask for safety and happiness for all those who are participating today."

After the prayer, everyone threw powered color paint into air and in an explosion of color, the race began! The 5k run/walk was a fundraiser for the SALT's World Relief Campaign, The Yawa Project. The Yawa Project's goal was to raise $15,000 for Technological materials used in a new reading program at Red Cloud Indian Elementary School located on a reservation in South Dakota. With the help of Valparaiso University, the Yawa Poject had meet its goal; receiving $16,589.65 in funds. This event was also sponsored by Valparaiso businesses, such as the Extra Mile Fitness Company and Whole Foods.

Spirits were high as participant after participant heroically crossed the finish line in a messy cloud of paint. Annie Rastovski, a Valparaiso High school student participating in the race says:

"My friends and I are doing this for my birthday! And I was pretty excited to get covered in paint!"

Valparaiso University would like to thank all the volunteers who made this event possible, everyone who made donations and everyone who helped to meet the goal of $15,000 in order to help those in need.

Click here to view more photos from the race!