Health & Fitness
Success with the First Annual Kozefò 5K
Support was gathered for the work of Kozefò- a non-profit organization that works to promote quality educational programs in Haiti during a local 5K held in Woodbury this past weekend.
Runners and Walkers turned out on a beautiful Saturday morning this past weekend to support the work of Kozefò – a non-profit organization that works to promote quality educational programs in Haiti. Although the idea to host the event was a fleeting thought of mine one night, many volunteers, donors and supporters helped make it become a reality. I do believe that the mission of Kozefò to "speak in a loud voice" (coming from the merging of two Kreyól words: Koze and Fò) was accomplished as participants showed up and financial support rolled in.
The numbers speak for themselves:
total runners/walkers: 130
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total volunteers (a little overlap, as some volunteers also ran or walked): 42
total jewelry sales for the artisans of The Apparent Project: $1800
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total profit to Kozefò: $3300
The goal of Kozefò is to create and deliver quality educational programs for children in high-poverty conditions in Haiti and to work to provide the wrap-around services needed to remove the obstacles to learning these children face. We are currently working with one small orphanage and a primary school located in Port au Prince. Teacher training is a key to the work that we do and the students are already reaping the benefits from professional development that occurred earlier this summer.
This work could not be done without the incredible support of local donors. In looking at the number of volunteers that were involved in this event, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. A huge shout-out to the folks of Woodbury Community Church, staff from St. Paul Public Schools, the families from Sartell that joined in the efforts, as well as personal friends and family, that assisted in set-up, race day participation, financial giving, and encouragement. Extra special thanks to the donations that came from Crafts Direct, Ray J's, and Cherish Designs! It truly was a group effort that lead to the success of this event.
With the First Annual 5K, behind me, it is time to start thinking about the next steps. I longingly anticipate my next trip to Haiti to reconnect with the students and staff, and I dream of prepping to actually run along in the 5K next summer, knowing that there are extremely capable volunteers ready to assist with each piece of the event!
For more information and how you can help, please check us out at kozefo.org.
