Run For Mercy Gets Creative

May 9, 2017

RFM Group | Mercy Multiplied

St. Louis Mercy residents

The St. Louis Run For Mercy 5K and Family Walk scheduled for Saturday, April 29th, was cancelled due to unsafe weather conditions. Still, Mercy Multiplied invited those registered for the event to the St. Louis home for coffee, donuts, a tour, and a little fun.

Several race participants came to the home to pick up their race bags and t-shirts. Mercy staff and residents set up mile markers in different rooms of the home, similar to mile markers participants would’ve seen at the race, but in different areas such as the classroom and dining room. There was a kid’s corner with face painting and Snow Cone Joe, a photo opportunity with Juggling Jeff, and prizes.

Kids Corner | Mercy Multiplied

Mercy residents ready to paint faces at the Kid’s Corner

The Mercy staff and residents weren’t the only ones who used their creative thinking to ensure Run For Mercy was a success. Ursuline Academy student Samantha Abel held a “Dress Down Day” at her school to raise money for the race. On March 28th, Ursuline students were required to give at least one dollar (but encouraged to give more) in order to dress casually and not wear their school uniform.

Abel first heard about Mercy Multiplied while volunteering at the St. Louis Dream Center. There she met Mercy graduate Krystle, who began to tell her about the mission of Mercy and how it changed her life.

Abel then began to research Mercy and saw the restoration and transformation happening in girls not so different from herself.

Juggle | Mercy Multipled

Mercy residents with Juggling Jeff

“I loved the fact that girls at my school would be donating to an organization that helps other girls, especially around the same age and right here in St. Louis. So, we’d be giving back to the local community,” said Abel.

The “Dress Down Day” was approved by the administration at Ursuline Academy, and nearly 350 students in the school of 420 participated.

“I have a huge heart for the issue of human sex trafficking, and as a part of the donation day, we held an hour-long presentation on the topic where students could come and listen and learn to become more aware,” said Abel.

Abel mentioned holding a “Dress Down Day” was such a simple way to raise awareness for Mercy’s mission and support Run For Mercy.

Hope | Mercy Multiplied

Mercy residents holding their encouraging race day sign

“It makes me proud to be a part of something bigger than myself, and more than anything it inspires me to do more,” said Abel. “Even though our donation was not a huge amount, I feel like I was able to raise awareness for what Mercy does and contribute in a small way to being a part of freedom for the girls Mercy helps. It also makes me realize how blessed I am to live the life I do in freedom.”

Mercy Multiplied is incredibly grateful for the contribution donated by Samantha Abel and everyone that who participated in “Dress Down Day” at Ursuline Academy.

Mercy would also like to thank the generous sponsors who supported Run For Mercy, including Connection Christian Church and 99.1 Joy FM, as well as many other sponsors.

If you would like to contribute to the 2017 Run For Mercy St. Louis race, please click here to donate.