More than 200 Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club members and guests – some with their canine running buddies – laced up in April for the 20th annual 5K Walk/Run, and another eighty members sponsored the annual event, all to benefit the Hibiscus Children’s Center.
“We’re very happy to have a successful 5K again this year. It’s our 20th year that we’ve done this, and every year we raise money to support organizations in need here in town,” said Rob Tench, Orchid Island general manager, before presenting the nonprofit with a check for $18,000.
“Like all of the donations we get, this is going to help our kids have a better future,” said Michelle King, HCC chief development officer. She added that the funds are especially needed at the end of the fiscal year to make up for budgetary shortfalls and increases in the cost of living.
“We’ll be doing summer camp for all of our kids. Anything you do with your kids, we try to do for our kids, and we have 40,” added King.
Danny Trennepohl, Orchid Island fitness director, recalled that the idea for the first 5K fundraiser was the result of a wedding party that Mr. and Mrs. David Sams held for their daughter.
“He [David Sams] gave the money to Habitat for Humanity, which gave me the idea to start our own 5K,” explained Trennepohl.
“This is a very physically fit community. This is a popular event, and it combines philanthropy and physical fitness,” said Bill Kennedy, who chairs the racquets and fitness committee for Orchid’s board of governors. “A lot of people here are very fortunate, and they want to give back to the community and give locally.”
He noted that the race is scheduled near Easter so that members can include their children and grandchildren in the activity.
“It’s a fun thing to do. There’s a hardcore runner group, and then there are just people who go out for a walk,” said Kennedy, adding with a smile that he wondered whether the post-race breakfast might also be part of the draw.
Club members Peter Hauser and Emma Mani took top honors as the fastest male and female finishers.
