Exchange Club raises thousands for child abuse prevention
By PAMELA GRANT
Cove Leader-Press
Despite the threat of stormy weather keeping many from participating in the Copperas Cove Noon Exchange Club’s annual Mayfest 5k and raffle, the Noon Exchange Club was still able to collect a lot of money which will be donated to local child abuse prevention organizations.
The Mayfest 5k began at 8 a.m. in Ogletree Gap Park. Keith Field finished first in the chip-timed race with a time of 30:13.1, Tina Ady came in second place with a time of 34:07.6, and Addy Monroe finished in third place with a time of 37:04.9.
“I enjoy running, so I seek out runs in the CenTex area,” said Tina Ady. She said that despite the stormy weather early in the day, the weather for the race turned out to be perfect.
“What a great day for running,” said Ady. “The course was challenging…It really made me dig deep.”
The Noon Exchange Club held the raffle immediately following the race. The raffle offered participants the chance to win some very nice prizes at the cost of $10 per raffle ticket. Prizes included an iPhone 14, a Galaxy Pro fitness watch, Echo Show Vizio Sound Bar, and a Victorola 8-in-1 Turn Table.
“The 5k is our primary fundraiser every year,” said Ira Brand, president of the Noon Exchange Club. “As a club, we try to donate as much money as we can to non-profits in the Copperas Cove area such as Communities in Schools, Boys & Girls Club, Hope Pregnancy Center, the Rainbow Room—various organizations that support our main goal which is child abuse prevention.”
Brand said that they manage to raise between $18,000-$20,000 per year. He said that they had raised about $20,000 this year.
He said that if they can help even just one child, it’s worth it. “If there is one incidence [of child abuse], that’s one too many,” said Brand.
“I like to support our local organizations,” said the Mayfest 5k 1st place finisher Keith Field. He said that it was important to raise awareness of child abuse prevention because sometimes a child cannot speak for themselves, so it’s important for adults to be aware of some potential red flags.
“I liked that the cause was to help children,” said Addy Monroe. “Children are the most innocent. If anyone deserves to be protected, it’s children and animals.”