The storms have passed and the long road to recovery is beginning, and Gunbarrel Road Fitness Together owner Justin Tate is trying to help by organizing the Run for Relief May 28.
“I’m not as personally affected as some people, but I’m putting myself in their shoes,” said Tate, who only lost electricity at his Hixson home. “Losing power for me, I don’t care. I didn’t lose my house, my friends, my life. A lot of our clients live in Apison, Ringgold, Ooltewah. They’ve been affected by it.”
Justin Tate, owner of East Brainerd’s Fitness Together, is asking the community to come together in an upcoming benefit race to assist those who suffered losses during the recent storms and tornadoes.Of the more than 100 runners signed up so far, Tate said only a few are clients. The rest are people simply trying to turn the tide for the scores left helpless and homeless.
All proceeds from the $20 registration fee (before May 21) will benefit the nonprofit Hope and Help. Tate likened the national organization to the Red Cross, but said there are no overhead costs involved. Registration will be accepted after May 21 and on-site before the 9 a.m. event at an increased price of $25, but the availability of T-shirt sizes and remembrance bands similar to ‘Live Strong’ bands cannot be guaranteed.
Tate said he hopes to raise at least $5,000 because a client has pledged to match up to that amount. He said the money will go specifically to helping victims in Apison, Ringgold and Trenton.
Other donations are also encouraged that day.
“They don’t just take money, they take anything – blankets, kitchen needs, bathroom needs,” said Tate. “People lost everything. They need everything. We want to help people in every way, not just money.”
Tate said the 5K course at Greenway Farm in Hixson can be easy enough for beginners or challenging enough for hardcore runners. He ran the trail as part of the annual Mud Run. Walkers are welcome.
Volunteers are also being sought for day-of-the-event help.
“I’m very shocked and surprised by the response I’ve gotten so far,” Tate said. “Everybody has been doing their part to give back and help.”
He didn’t rule out the possibility of another race to help in the future, but said there would have to be a need.
“You can’t turn this around in one year, what happened,” he said. “It’s like Katrina; people were affected for years.”