Run For Rachel: A Benefit For Victims of Domestic Violence

Members of the community are invited to help the Rachel Coalition reach its ambitious goal of raising $100,000 to benefit victims of domestic violence by creating a personal fundraising page for the 11th Annual Run for Rachel.  For the first time, participants can design a page that demonstrates their passion for this worthy cause at http://www.firstgiving.com/JFSMetroWest/Event/runforrachel.  Online event registration is also available through First Giving.

More than 800 men, women, teens and children from across New Jersey are expected to converge at the Memorial Oval in Livingston on Sunday, May 22 for this event to raise awareness of domestic violence.  The morning includes a 5 Kilometer USA Track and Field – New Jersey Women’s Open Championship Race; a 3K Walk; and a Kids’ Run.  Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., the 5K Run begins at 9:30 a.m. and the 3K Walk begins at 9:40 a.m., all events are rain or shine. 

The Run for Rachel raises funds to benefit the Rachel Coalition, a partnership of nine northern New Jersey organizations working together to serve victims of domestic violence.  With the new online registration, participants can register themselves, their children or friends for any of the events, and they can secure personal sponsors through the website.  The top pledge raiser will win a Kindle.

The Run for Rachel includes children’s entertainment, a DJ, refreshments, goodie bags for all pre-registrants and prize drawings.  Area schools and local organizations can participate by signing up for Run for Rachel, either individually or by forming teams, by asking friends and family members to sponsor them with a financial pledge or by volunteering to help out at the Run.

Preregistration, before May 15, is $22 for either the 5K Run or the 3K Walk, $20 for USATF members.  After May 15 and on race day, the 5K Run or 3K Walk will be $25. The Kids’ Run is $7.

To register and create a personal fundraising page, visit http://www.firstgiving.com/JFSMetroWest/Event/runforrachel.  Paper and phone registration are still available at the same price. 

The Rachel Coalition is a partnership of nine northern New Jersey organizations working together to respond to domestic violence.  Nonsectarian services include a 24-hour crisis response line (973-740-1233), a suburban emergency safe house (with kosher provisions), counseling, support groups, legal and medical assistance, outreach and education programs.  Rachel Coalition partners include: Jewish Family Service of MetroWest, National Council of Jewish Women: Essex Country Section, National Council of Jewish Women: West Morris Section, Women’s Philanthropy of the United Jewish Communities of MetroWest New Jersey, MetroWest Rabbinic Cabinet, Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Hadassah: Northern New Jersey Region, Jewish Women International: North Atlantic Region and JCC MetroWest.