14 GROUNDCOVER NEWS COMMUNITY APRIL 4, 2025 Big House 5K leverages the “Michigan Difference” for local partners LINDSAY CALKA Publisher Charity 5Ks happen almost every weekend in Washtenaw County, but only one day a year do 10,000 people run through downtown Ann Arbor. The morning of Sunday, April 13, over 10,000 people will participate in the University of Michigan Athletic Department’s Big House 5K. The race begins on State Street, courses through the University of Michigan’s central campus, then finishes on the 50-yard line of Michigan Stadium. For 12 years the goal has been simple: raise money and raise awareness for local nonprofits. Since the inception of the race, the U-M Athletic Department has raised over $1.4 million for charity beneficiaries. This year they are once again on track to accomplish their goal. Last year, the event completely sold out in 15 days. In response, this year, they added 2,500 additional spots — but registration still sold out, this time in 13 days. The Athletic Department would like to expand further, but there is just not enough space. Meghann Oblak, Director of Partnerships, elaborated, “There is a hard cap at 12,500. Nearly one third of all participants finish within the same 20 minutes, so any more than 12,500 will hurt the experience.” To continue to drive donations without growing past a safe and comfortable number of runners, the Big House 5K has added extra fundraising opportunities such as the Big House Brunch, a ticketed breakfast served at the end of the race, and set up optional direct donations to beneficiaries through RunSignUp, the registration platform. When asked how the Athletic Department selects the six nonprofits from many deserving applicants, Oblack shared they partner with the U-M Ginsberg Center to pick based on immediate needs in Washtenaw County. “Working with Ginsberg allows us to be responsive, flexible to create the highest impact possible. Only selecting six beneficiaries allows us to provide the organizations with a gift that really moves the needle.” Read more about this year’s six beneficiaries below. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan Big Brothers Big Sisters creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. “Bigs” volunteer their time to provide one-on-one support and guidance to their “Littles.” Their matches build strong bonds through shared activities and experiences, such as playing sports, going to museums, or simply talking and hanging out. BBBS knows that after just one year of mentoring, the quality of classroom work is higher for Littles than their non-mentored peers. They are less likely to skip school, engage in misconduct, or use illegal substances, and they report feeling an increased sense of self-esteem and self-confidence. Mentoring relationships have a lasting impact on a child's life, helping them to overcome challenges, achieve goals, and reach their full potential. Community Family Life Center Community Family Life Center is a neighborhood-based, non-profit entity providing crucial services and support to economically disadvantaged families in the greater Ypsilanti area. CFLC’s Foundations Preschool Foundations Preschool of Washtenaw County is committed to Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley has been a catalyst for stabilizing see BIG HOUSE page 16 programs primarily focus on supporting the youth and addressing the root causes of institutional inequity including poverty, systemic racism and trauma. Their core programs include afterschool and summer programs supporting the youth, family focused mental health services, food distribution, and health and wellness programs. The Youth Enrichment After School Program provides support to children and their families with personalized math and reading tutors, STEMS program, energizing physical activities, nutritious meals and much more. The Corner Health Center The Corner Health Center is an integrated health and wellness clinic in Downtown Ypsilanti for anyone ages 12-25 (and their children). Their mission is to inspire young people to live and sustain healthy lives by providing them with judgment-free affordable health and wellness care and education. At The Corner they believe "No Insurance? No problem!" Goals are to enable young people to get exceptional health care, reduce risk-taking, understand the long-range implications of their behaviors and choices, and participate in and take responsibility for their own health and well-being. The Corner Health Center’s services include primary clinical care, maternal health, psychiatry, gynecology/reproductive health, gender-affirming care, fatherhood support, support groups, free local food pantry, and so much more! 2024 starting line. Photo submitted increasing accessibility to equitable, high-quality care and early education for underserved and historically marginalized families. The organization provides care that ensures accessibility for families, empowering them to work full-time with reliable, year-round childcare. To maximize the impact, Foundations offers tuition support, free meals and snacks, support in navigating family assistance programs, a supplemental food pantry, in-house translation services, and an in-house social worker. Foundations envisions a community where all families have their unique needs understood, valued and met. Girls Group For over 20 years, Girls Group has helped socioeconomically disadvantaged youth create the educational foundation and build the tools to graduate high school, become first generation college students, and mentor others that may be on the same journey. Programs span middle school through early adulthood, focusing on academic readiness, social-emotional life skills, financial education and community service. In the words of a Girls Group youth, “Girls Group has encouraged me to dream bigger and set ambitious goals. Girls Group provided the tools and mentors that gave me the necessary support to make college a realistic option for me.” Habitat for Humanity Huron Valley
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