While the annual Healthy Kids 5K/10K is still a couple of months away—April 14, to be exact—the organization is now seeking sponsorships and participants for the 2018 event.

“This is the seventh year of our annual child abuse and neglect prevention awareness campaign, and this year’s theme is ‘Together We Can Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect,’” says Lisa Nimmer, director of Healthy Kids.

“April is National Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month, and each year we ask area residents to show their support and help us improve the lives of our children.”

While Nimmer says a number of events are planned in support of this cause throughout the month of April–among them the Healthy Kids for Kids Parade, Day of the Child observance, the Healthy Kids for Kids Carnival and the First Steps Trike Parade—the current focus is on getting sponsors for the 6th Annual 5K/10K Walk/Run set for Saturday, April 14 in Confederate Park.

“We offer sponsorships at every level from $100 to $2,500, as well as in-kind sponsors for food and beverage services. All of the monetary sponsorships include a certain number of T-shirts or race entries, along with additional recognition on approximately 2,000 T-shirts, signs and on our website,” Nimmer explains.

“It is a wonderful way to get your business’s name out there while supporting a very worthy cause.”

To get more information on sponsorships, contact Healthy Kids at 334-371-2104 or via email at healthykidsal@gmail.com.

Those who are interested in participating in the 5K/10K can register at www.active.com or by phone at 334-371-2104. The entry fee is $25 through April 13 and $30 on the day of the race.

“We will also offer face painting, games for the kids, a fun run and costume contest and awards that morning—so this can be a fun time for the entire family,” says Nimmer.

Currently, Healthy Kids, a 501(c) 3 non-profit agency, serves children through five different programs: Healthy Kids Excel, Home Visitation Program, the First Steps Early Childhood Development Center, First Class Pre-K and Child Adult Care Food Program.

“Our goal is to consistently expand services that help improve the lives of children and help insure they are safe and connected to the agencies and support they need,” says Nimmer.

“We invite everyone to join in our campaign and ‘Together We Can Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect’ by becoming a sponsor, by wearing a Healthy Kids for Kids T-shirt every Friday during the month of April and participating in our 5K/10K/Fun Run. With your valued support, children in our community will win.”

To learn more, visit the Healthy Kids website at www.healthykidsal.org