September PSA

After receiving a dozen emails from organizations hoping for a little publicity, I decided to post a quick Play in the City PSA – how could I not? They’re all great causes!

I’ve discovered that there are a TON of notable volunteer run/walks and fundraisers happening throughout Milwaukee this month – so many that I’m forced to be selective.

Besides being involved with the Coastal Cleanup here in Milwaukee, I’m participating in the Ride on the Wild Side around the Zoo, the 5K Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and AIDS Walk Wisconsin – these particular events mean a lot to me for various reasons.

I’m hoping that you'll get a chance to participate in one, two or all of them as well.

Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk for Children’s Hospital
When: Saturday, September 15, 2007
Time: Wheelchair participants start at 10:15 a.m. and runners at 10:30 a.m.
Why? Money raised will help further research in pediatric medicine, provide for better medical care and help educate the community about issues related to children’s health.
Where: Downtown Milwaukee – 10th and Wells Street
How to register: Online by going here or at Children’s Hospital and Health System Foundation offices (Oakwood Center, 10361 Innovation Dr., Milwaukee)
Fee: $20 for adults and $8 for children (12 and under)
Deadline: This Friday, September 14 at noon
Other Info: After your choice of an 8K run, wheelchair route, or 3 or 5-mile walk there will be the "Finish Line Celebration" at the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard stage on the Summerfest grounds. The celebration will begin with an award ceremony for race winners followed by refreshments from on-site vendors and local entertainment.

Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup
When: Saturday, September 15, 2007
Time: 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. (or whenever you can make it)
Why? To help keep the beaches and parks around Lake Michigan clean. Since debris comes from human activity, it’s up to locals to take care of the waterways, beaches and parks – trash removed from the shore saves marine life too. 
Where: Bradford Beach on Milwaukee’s lakefront
How to register: Online by clicking here.
Fee: It’s Free!
Deadline: Just show up.
Other Info: Come as you please. I will provide water, juice and Blue Dawg Bagels for brunch and garbage bags, rubber gloves and anti-bacterial hand wash while cleaning.

Ride on the Wild Side Family Bike Ride
When: Sunday, September 16, 2007
Time: Start times are at 8 a.m. (27-mile & 17-mile) and 8:15 a.m. (2.5-mile)
Why? For a once-a-year chance to ride bikes at the Zoo and to raise money for the animals. Milwaukee has one of the best zoos in the nation; let’s help keep it that way.
Where: All routes begin and end at the Milwaukee County Zoo Terrace.
How to register: Call the Zoological Society for a brochure or to register a team, (414) 258-2333, or register the day of the Ride and 7 a.m. (online registration reached its deadline of Sept. 10)
Fee: $35 for adult non-members and $15 for children (13 and under)
Deadline: Register the day of the Ride for an extra $3
Other Info: You can choose from three routes – 2.5-mile children’s ride that stays within the Zoo and two distance rides (17 miles and 27 miles) that travel through the Zoo and continue north along Menomonee River Parkway and the ‘76 bike trail. Fees include continental breakfast, lunch, long-sleeve T-shirt and entry into Zoo.

Stone Bank Volunteer Fire Department Fundraiser 
When: Saturday, September 22, 2007
Time: All day
Why? To raise funds for two new defibrillators for the Stone Bank Volunteer Fire Department’s ambulances – the combined cost is $34,000.00. The Stone Bank Pub & Eatery hopes that by having an all-day event, they will raise enough money to help the volunteer fire department purchase these life saving tools.
Where: Stone Bank Pub & Eatery (N67W33395 County Road K, Oconomowoc)
How to register: Donations can be dropped off at Stone Bank Pub & Eatery or mailed to Melinda Gintert, P.O. Box 180283, Delafield, WI 53018
Fee: How generous do you feel?
Other Info: The all-day event, “Half Way to St. Patty’s Day,” will include live music, food and beer, along with a silent auction, face painting and inflatable “Bouncies.” All donations are tax deductible and will go to the Stone Bank Volunteer Fire Department.

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
When: Sunday, September 23, 2007
Time: 9 a.m. 
Why? As the largest series of 5K runs/fitness walks in the world, with well over 1 million participants since 2005, the Komen Race for the Cure series raises significant funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer as it celebrates breast cancer survivorship and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease.
Where: Downtown Milwaukee – the Race begins at the Northwestern Mutual campus and ends at Veteran’s Park on Milwaukee’s lakefront 
How to register: Online. Go here. 
Fee: $25 for adults
Deadline: Friday, September 21 for online registration or you can register in person on the Race day between 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
Other info: The post-race celebration, “Pink in the Park,” takes place in Veteran’s Park on the lakefront from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

Joe's Run, Walk & Roll
When: Sunday, September 29, 2007
Time: 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Why? The 5K run and 1 or 2 mile fun run, walk or wheelchair roll has become a community celebration inviting families, friends, teams and individuals to participate. The money raised from the walk goes to assisting children and adults with disabilities through special programs to help them achieve what everyone desires – to live, work and play independently and to freely participate in all the community has to offer.
Where: The run/walk begins and ends at Hart Park
How to register: Online by clicking here or register the day of at 8:30 a.m.
Fee: $15 for individuals, $30 for family (3 or more) and $120 for team (maximum of 10)
Deadline: September 22, 2007
Other info: Stay for the post run party in the park and enjoy entertainment, refreshments and food.  Explore the "Vendor Village" which includes displays and demonstrations.  The fun concludes with raffle drawings and grand prize presentations.

AIDS Walk Wisconsin
When: Saturday, September 29, 2007
Time: Between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. – the walk begins around noon.
Why? AIDS Walk is the largest fundraiser in Wisconsin benefiting HIV and AIDS prevention, care, and treatment programs throughout the state. Funds raised for AIDS Walk Wisconsin ensures that people facing this disease will have access to programs and services that allow them to live longer, healthier lives, as well as, providing effective education and prevention programs across Wisconsin.   
Where: Milwaukee’s lakefront beginning on the Summerfest Grounds (main gate)
How to register: Click here or call 1-800-348-WALK 
Fee: Based on donations
Deadline: Day of the Walk
Other Info: After the 5K stroll on Milwaukee's scenic lakefront, a post-walk celebration will take place on the Summerfest grounds with fantastic performers from around the region until 3 p.m.

If I’ve neglected to name an event, I apologize (I can be a bit absentminded from time to time). Luckily, I’m continually updating this site, so just let me know if you’d like me to include your event.

Additionally, if you can’t make these run/walks or fundraisers, many of the organizations will graciously accept donations. Just check out their website for information on how to make a contribution.

Comments

[john]

I participated in Al's run on Saturday. The day couldn't have been better! Minus my wheezing the weather was beautiful as we ran along the lakefront...and despite not being in shape for the 5-mile run I eventually finished!

[Fred H.]

Perhaps you could post a blurb about Joe's Run, Walk & Roll.

Saturday, September 29
9am - 12:30pm

It's the run, walk or wheelchair roll for UCP (United Cerebral Palsy)

There's a 5K run or shorter alternate routes to accommodate individual needs; and a post-run party at Hart Park.

Thanks!

[Karen]

Absolutely!

[Karen]

Everyone- I've updated the info above. We only have a little over a week left, so if anyone else has an event they'd like me to add for the September PSA, just let me know!
Thanks guys!

[Karen]

Hey everyone!

I just wanted to relay the update I was given about the Stone Bank Volunteer Fire Department Fundraiser – it was a big success!

The turnout was over 3,000 people and it looks like they’ve raised over 20K to help purchase the new defibrillators.

For all of you who attended, thank you!