Runners and Walkers Give Double the Impact for Mercy

May 11, 2018

This past Saturday, Mercy Multiplied was honored to host annual Run for Mercy 5K and Family Walk events in two local Mercy communities: St. Louis, MO and Monroe, LA.

St. Louis, MO Recap:

In St. Louis, kids enjoyed free face painting, hula hooping, games, and snow cones in the Kids’ Corner area, hosted by Gateway Christian Church. Appearances were made by Spiderman, Wonder Woman, the Chick-fil-a Cow, Louie from the St. Louis Blues, Juggling Jeff, and Louie the Lightning Bug from Ameren Missouri. All characters helped engage and bring excitement to the day!

Jeff Hosey, Worship and Creative Arts Pastor at Connection Christian Church sang the national anthem. Tim Thomson, afternoon show host for 99.1 Joy! FM, led the crowd in prayer before the runners hit the course. Beforehand, Tim took a moment to honor Mercy residents and graduates in attendance and shared how grateful Joy FM is to have such an incredible ministry in the St. Louis community.

2017 Mercy graduate McKenna shared her story of transformation with the crowd. McKenna expressed her genuine gratitude towards supporters and shared that she is now back in college studying Pre-Med and has a passion for life again.

St. Louis Mercy residents trained hard, and for many of the residents it was their first time participating in a 5K race. They celebrated not only finishing the race, but that over $25,000 was raised to support their home.

Awards were presented to the top overall runners and the top male and female finishers in each age category. The top overall male runner was Francisco Rosales with a time of 22:55. The top overall female runner was Molly White with a time of 25:09.

“It’s amazing to see so many Mercy Multiplied supporters all together having fun and honoring God for what He is doing in our St. Louis home,” said Karen Klarich, Mercy Community Relations Manager. “I’m so proud of our Mercy girls for participating in the 5K and being the top fundraising team! The Run for Mercy 5K and Family Walk is such a beautiful display of God’s love as the community comes together to cheer on our Mercy girls as they walk into freedom through Christ.”

Monroe, LA Recap:

In Monroe, participants were welcomed by music, sponsor booths, games, and a bounce house in the Kids’ Corner area. The Humane Society Adoption Center’s booth was a big hit with spectators for the appearance of Benjamin, the “smooching pooch”!

Chris Dunn, husband of Mercy staff member Briana Dunn, led the crowd in an opening prayer before the runners hit the course.

2012 Mercy graduate Meaghan shared her story of transformation with the crowd. She shared about her struggles with health and family relationships, specifically feeling like a financial burden on her family. “Every day, God reminds me of His unfailing love through the eyes and mouths of the little ones that I get to care for. I am so thankful God didn’t let me take my own life. He has given me a purpose and freedom,” said Meaghan.

Awards were presented to the top overall runners and the top male and female finishers in each age category. The top overall male runner was Jameson Keeton with a time of 23:16. The top overall female runner was Kristy Hall with a time of 23:47.

“We had a 90% chance of rain predicted through the morning of the race and countless people were praying for the rain to move out in time for the race,” said Caronda Williams, Mercy Community Relations Manager in Monroe, LA. “Once again, God showed His faithfulness not only to hear our prayers, but to answer them as well! It’s the little things He does that grow not only our faith, but also the faith of these young women who are just beginning to learn of His goodness!”

All proceeds raised through the sponsorships, registration fees, and donations go toward helping broken and hurting young women find freedom for their lives. Mercy Multiplied is grateful for the generous sponsors, volunteers, and participants who made both events such a huge success!

St. Louis, MO Sponsors:

99.1 Joy! FM, Connection Christian Church, Layner’s Little Ones Daycare, Elantas, Gordon Food Service, Promotions Pronto, Landmark Sign Company, Tech Electronics, Chick-fl-a Des Peres, Core Authenticity, SAGA Toys, Energy Tree, Thrivent Financial, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and Snow Cone Joe.