CASA asking runners to help local kids
HIGHLAND LAKES — If you’ve ever wanted a good reason to participate in a 5K run, then CASA for the Highland Lakes has one for you.
And you don’t even have to run — you can enjoy a nice walk if you prefer.
The Speak Up For Kids CASA 5K is Sept. 13 at Johnson Park in Marble Falls. The kids’ fun run starts at 8 a.m. followed by the actual 5-kilometer run at 8:15 a.m. The park is at 230 Ave. J South.
The event benefits Court Appointed Special Advocates, an organization providing trained volunteers to represent children who have been removed from their homes by the state due to abuse or neglect. The members of CASA act as advocates for these children and as their voice in court and legal proceedings.
Along with the running and walking, there will be live music featuring local musician Daniel Conti and Drawing Back.
And two legendary Texas Longhorn football players will be there to help get things running — Johnny “Lam” Jones and Johnny “Ham” Jones.
“Lam” Jones first burst on the gridiron scene as a standout player in Lampasas, just a short drive up U.S. 281 from Burnet.
After graduating from Lampasas High School, he went on to play football at the University of Texas. In 1976, Jones won an Olympic gold medal as a member of the 400-meter relay team.
He was only 17 at the time.
Jones later joined the New York Jets.
Along with “Lam” Jones, “Ham” Jones will help to get the festivities started. Ham Jones was a three-year letterman at UT and played alongside Earl Campbell in the Longhorn backfield.
In 1977 “Ham” Jones and Campbell set a single-season rushing record for a duo of backs. It’s a record that still stands today.
“We’re very excited to have Ham and Lam Jones helping us start the 5K,” said Leighann Heine, the local program director for CASA.
For 15 years, CASA for the Highland Lakes has been serving area children.
“Unfortunately, we’re not seeing a decrease in the number of cases,” Heine said. “The incidents of child abuse are actually going up.”
While CASA for the Highland Lakes has always relied on volunteers and donations, it has also received some operating funds from the federal government.
But that’s changing.
“Federal funding has been substantially cut for all nonprofits including CASA,” Heine said.
So local CASA officials, staff and volunteers are hoping Highland Lakes residents will be willing to strap on their running shoes for the children.
Though CASA has held the 5K for several years, Heine said this is the first time the run has been conducted in the Highland Lakes.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance is one of the primary sponsors of the Highland Lakes chapter’s event.
“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas is a major sponsor of the event and they selected our area this year as one to sponsor,” Heine said. “(The 5K) is part of a statewide effort for CASA. It’s actually in its fourth year but it will be the Highland Lakes area’s first time to hold one.”
Along with the running, there are vendor and sponsorship opportunities, officials said.
It’s also a good opportunity for people to come out and learn more about what CASA for the Highland Lakes does. The chapter serves children in Burnet, Blanco, Lampasas, Llano and San Saba counties.
“This is also a good way for us to raise awareness of CASA and what we do,” Heine said.
Running isn’t the only event planned. There will be special musical performances from 9 a.m.-noon. There will also be prizes and giveaways every hour. At noon, Daniel Conti and Drawing Back take the stage until 3 p.m.
CASA officials are encouraging individual runners to participate, but also hope area organizations, high school running teams and church groups will take part in the event.
The kids fun run is $10 (17 and under) while the 5K is $20 or $10 for 17 and under. Late registration will be held Sept. 12 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. at the CASA for the Highland Lakes office, 1719 Ridgeview, Kingsland or at the run starting at 7 a.m. Sept. 13.
Late registration is $25 for the 5K.
Registration can be done online at www.active.com; or by contacting Heine at (325) 388-3440.
Packet pickup information can be found on the CASA Web site at www.highlandlakescasa.org.
Even if you aren’t a runner, you can come out, cheer on the participants and meet “Ham” Jones and “Lam” Jones. Heine said donations are always welcome whether you are running, walking or just watching.
For more information, call (325) 388-3440.