Best of Burlington

Hops for Hope 5K Goes Virtual

Virginia Dean

 

The current Pandemic has changed the lives of many individuals, and businesses and non-profits are no exception. The annual FUNdraiser for the American Cancer Society, Hops for Hope 5K, for example, has usually taken place at Mount Snow in Dover, VT, in the morning of their annual Brewers Festival. But to ensure the safety of its staff, volunteers, partners and participants, the event will now be going virtual. 

“The Pandemic is changing everything about the fight against cancer,” said Community Development Manager Heather Winther. ”And the truth is, cancer is gaining ground and threatening more lives, and we need to expand our community partners to fuel our fight. Cancer hasn’t stopped. So, neither have we.” 

As a result, there will not be an official outside group race this year but rather individual ones in the same 5K format. Runners or walkers can compete in any way they desire, Winther explained, and then submit what they’ve accomplished as far as time and distance using a form found on the non-profit’s website. The final race day is August 30 on which the winner is the top fundraiser. The top prize is a Northeast Epic pass worth $600. Prizes will also be given to August weekly winners beginning August 3 from 11 a.m. to noon, Winther said.

 As research has shown, cancer patients – many of whom have compromised immune systems – are more vulnerable than ever to the COVID-19 virus. To combat that, the focus of the non-profit now is on the shifting needs of cancer patients and communities facing the Pandemic. 

“We need support to sustain and create vital resources during this difficult time, and so we’re continuing to provide the Hops For Hope 5K in a new way,” said Winter. “Not only will miles completed by participants count toward our greater goal of supporting a healthy and active community, but their contribution to this event will allow us to help fund our mission.” 

Registration fees that are tax deductible and donations to participants or teams will help the non-profit reach its $15,000 FUNdraising goal, she added.Register as an individual, team or local business at www.main.acsevents.org/hopsforhope5k. Use Hops for Hope 5K Facebook page and enter #HopsForHope5K in submission to be chosen as a weekly winner.