Spring Engineering, Dex Imaging and Publix Super Markets Charities Sign On to be the Presenting Sponsors for the RAP River Run 5K Run/Walk

Youth and Family Alternatives, Inc.'s (YFA) RAP House Leadership Council has announced that Spring Engineering, Dex Imaging and Publix Super Markets Charities have committed to be the presenting sponsors for the second annual RAP River 5K Run/Walk - Giving our children a pathway of Hope!

"We are thrilled to have three great companies commit to support the RAP House and The RAP River Run," said Victoria Barley, Committee Chair and local Realtor with Residential Asset Partners Realty. "These businesses truly understand the meaning of community and giving back. They are very committed to exposing West Pasco to the many wonderful ways RAP House is helping our children. We are honored to have Spring Engineering, Dex Imaging and Publix Super Market Charities as our partners."

The second annual RAP River Run 5K Run/Walk will take place in New Port Richey on Saturday morning, June 13, 2009 at 8:00 am. The scenic run along the beautiful Pithlachascotee River and around Orange Lake will raise much needed funds for YFA's RAP House serving Pasco County's runaway, abused, neglected and at-risk youth ages 10-17 since 1982. The RAP River Run will feature a 5K race for runners and walkers as well as the Trinity Business Association Kid's Fun Run.

The RAP River Run will be a "green race" and all runners and walkers will receive a custom designed 100% organic cotton shirt. The course has been certified by the USAT and the IPICO Chip Timing system will be used. Information about the race and registration information may be found at the RAP River Run web site. Runners and walkers may register for the race for $15.00 prior to June 7th.

RAP House, opened in New Port Richey in 1982, provides runaway and youth crisis services that help prevent youth from entering the juvenile justice system and/or child welfare system. Many of these youth have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect and some may be awaiting a permanent home or are between foster care placements. Without the timely intervention by counselors and staff who truly care, the future of these young people and their families are cloudy at best. In fact without services and programs like RAP House many young people in these types of situations will turn to crime often resulting in greater cost to Florida's taxpayers. Working with runaways, at-risk youth and kids in foster care, especially those who are victims of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, or outright abandonment, helps them discover their future in a caring and safe environment. Helping these youth now can positively influence subsequent generations by stopping the vicious cycle of violence. To arrange a tour of RAP House call 727-835-1777. For more information about YFA and RAP House, visit the YFA web site.

A Thought From Maya Angelou

"Sister, there were people who went to sleep last night, poor and rich and white and black, but they will never wake again. And those dead folks would give anything at all for just five minutes of this weather or ten minutes of plowing. So you watch yourself about complaining. What you're supposed to do when you don't like a thing is change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it." -

Change is pretty powerful stuff. It is often just what the kids at RAP House Shelter need to begin to turn their lives around. Last Tuesday was a powerful day for me as Youth and Family Alternatives' Development Director, the guy that looks for $$ for our programs and services. I received notice from a United Way in Arizona that a donor had pledged over $1,000 to our not-for-profit! That isn't an everyday occurrence. When I reached the donor later in the day she told me that she only wished she could contribute more because in 2001 our shelter "made all the difference" in her son's life and oh by the way he is about to graduate law school! RAP River Run is more than a 5K race. It really is a day to make a difference! - Jim Simms

Ginny's Training For RRR Is On!

Good morning all! I had wonderful weekend of walking, getting my 2.5 miles in everyday. The rains have created aches and pains where all the metal is implanted that I haven't felt for awhile but I am pushing forward and determined to keep walking! I will be walking daily or at least every other day while visiting family in Ohio for the next two weeks so stay tuned. It's very cold there right now but I am hoping for "spring-like" weather when I get there later this week.

Ginny

Follow Ginny as She Prepares to Walk RRR!

Hi fellow runners and walkers, I'm Ginny Pierce, a 61-year-old female that is so grateful to be able to participate in the RAP RIVER RUN this year. I have suffered from Rheumatoid Arthritis in my knees and other joints for the past 20+ years taking multiple medications and treatments to ease the pain to alleviate knee replacement surgeries. In 2006, we had new front porch flooring tiling and trim installed and due to defective materials a piece broke and I fell coming off the porch landing directly on my knees. To complicate matters, I had back surgery in 2005 and had five metal rods in my back to fuse the discs. Needless to say, the jolt and impact affected my back and knees and I ended up in the hospital a few days later. My back was treated with epidurals and it worked to alleviate that pain. My knees were another story that has been a long and painful saga. I had to have the left knee replaced to start with the following January. That led to a fracture in the left lower leg bone that I dealt with for eight months. I was in a wheelchair, on a walker, in a boot, did physical therapy and finally a metal plate with eleven pins and screws had to be surgically implanted in that area. Nine months later after recovering from that I had the right knee replaced and that recovery has gone extremely well. This time last year I could not stand for more than few minutes and I was not able to even volunteer at the RAP River Run. The RAP house that this event supports is a cause I feel very strongly about so I really wanted to participate in some way. I am happy to report that the biggest part of my recovery has been walking to prepare for the 3.1 mile walk on June 13th. I have a team of myself and four others from Keystone Rotary Club. They are my biggest cheerleaders, along with my husband Rick, and close friends who have been through these past three years of agony with me. I am up to walking 2.5 miles per day at least five days a week and am so excited about being able to cross that finish line. I will keep you updated as I continue to train and push myself to improve my times and distance. I will be on vacation in Ohio with my family for the next two weeks but will continue to train and update you when I return. I welcome your support as it will be one of the biggest challenges I have ever undertaken! Follow me to the race!
"Walking for Health, Happiness and the RAP House" Ginny