5K Update
from
Hazelwood Initiative Board of Directors
Response to Inquiries about changes in the
Oktoberfest 5K
At the April 11, 2006 Membership meeting, some HI members took issue with
the changes with the race schedule, namely the anticipated 2006 race being
revamped and rescheduled for 2007. Even prior to 2006, Board members
and general members had been talking about the demands and the success of
the event. From January to March, the Hazelwood Initiative Board engaged in
methodical evaluation of all of HI’s special events, including the Concert
Series; Light Up Night, Safe Halloween, fundraising activities, and the 5K
Race. The Board also assigned Suzanne Murray, Board member and Race Chair,
to survey participants regarding the event. The reasons in support of the
Board’s decision to reschedule the race are as follows:
• Anticipated loss of major Weed & Seed/Project Safe Neighborhoods Support
• Limited community support: Of the 133 runners last year, fewer than 25
were from Hazelwood.
• Limited local organizational support other than the Mainstreet Task Force
• Nominal benefit to local businesses and community-at-large
• History of consistent deficit spending for the event
Excess (or deficit)
2002
2003
2004
2005
(229.56)
838.13
(2,452.78)
(150.89)
With this in mind, the Board determined that a new approach must be made,
one that would allow us to better showcase Hazelwood, balance the event’s
budget, and engage the entire community in the process. Plans include:
• Collaboration with several nonprofits in Greater Hazelwood in order to
attempt to connect the race to other community events.
• Seeking support of major donors. With a wider community event,
possibilities of securing a major donor would increase. Furthermore, with
several nonprofits in the planning and follow through of the event, many
additional minor donations may be able to be secured.
• A larger scale event, which would include the 5K as well as other events,
such as a Hazelwood Cobra game, concert, games, etc would better showcase
Greater Hazelwood as many runners and walkers would be much more likely to
stay for other activities on race day.
These changes were discussed at the general membership meeting on May 9.
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