Providing 130 years of service to the community is cause for celebration at Elmhurst, The House of Friendship nonprofit, licensed assisted living residence in Wheeling. Although plans have changed due to the coronavirus, Elmhurst is challenging area walkers and runners to join them for the Glessner Group 2020 Virtual 5K Walk/Run for WHEELS! Fundraiser.
Jamie Crow, executive director, announced the virtual event as the organization’s way to still celebrate its stellar tenure caring for older adults that began in 1890.
“The current world-wide health crisis changed everything, including plans for a festive steak fry with music in our backyard in July. However, we still feel the need to share our birthday with the community. What better way to celebrate than getting everyone out for a walk or half-marathon via a virtual event,” Crow explained.
Crow noted that, “Proceeds from the event will help us in our quest to replace our oldest transportation van. It has traveled many miles, taking residents on fun outings and to appointments, or just to get a little ice cream on a country drive. It is time to replace that van with some new “wheels,” so we can be ready to hit the road when the health crisis is past us.”
Sponsors to-date include The Glessner Group (overall sponsor); FeltonCPA; WesBanco; State Farm, Noah Mull, Agent; Dr. Frank & Anita Carenbauer; Kalkreuth Roofing; and Johnson’s Pharmaceuticals. Sponsorships are still available and will be listed on the official race T-shirts.
Since mid-March, Elmhurst has been following all guidelines mandated to keep residents and staff healthy, Crow noted. The residence, home to men, women, and couples, was only recently permitted to allow visitors under strict guidelines in the “yellow phase” issued by the state of West Virginia. All residents and staff tested negative for the virus, Crow pointed out.
“We are thankful that Elmhurst sits on a beautiful campus that allows residents to enjoy the out-of-doors now that the weather is warm. The residents have been real troopers throughout all of this, initially being unable to spend time together in any kind of group activity, and having meals served in their rooms. Transportation was only allowed for medical appointments. Things have been loosened up a bit by the state, but we continue to wear masks and social distance, Crow said, adding, “Our folks treasured their outings in our vans. Replacing our 12 year-old van will be a wonderful birthday present for them, especially when we are able to get back on the road.”
The event registration began online on July 21 and ends September 18. Registrants may complete the mileage any way they choose, before September 18, logging their results before September 30, according to Joe Lovell, Elmhurst board member. Participants receive a T-shirt, bib number, and a finishers’ medal, he said. To register, go to rsracing.enmotive.com/ and click on Elmhurst.
Elmhurst also encourages racers to send their race pictures to them to post on their Facebook page throughout the event. Pictures may be sent to: jamiec@elmhurstpch.com or marilyn.mull@yahoo.com.
