Edgerunner 5K, Community Fair focus on foster kids

JEFFERSON COUNTY – The need for more foster care families in Jeffco and the array of community resources available to residents will be the focus of the Edgerunner 5K and Community Fair next weekend at Jefferson High School in Edgewater.

Nearly 12,000 Colorado children required out-of-home care in 2009 due to abuse or neglect, a statistic that concerns organizers of the Edgerunner 5K run/walk who will use the event to stress the need for additional foster care homes within the Edgewater community and elsewhere in Jefferson County. 

“Children have a right to remain in their communities even if they have to be removed from their homes,” said Edgewater Mayor Bonnie McNulty. McNulty, a former foster parent, is a member of the Edgerunner Committee, assisting with the planning of May is Foster Care Awareness month.

The race is an official qualifying event for the Boulder Bolder.

The Community Resource Fair, held in conjunction with the Edgerunner event, allows residents to access resources in one convenient location, including local businesses, non-profit agencies, family services organizations, basic need resources and disability services.

The events, which kick off Saturday, May 8 at 8 a.m., include activities for families and kids, face painting, cultural performances and free food.  The school is at 2305 Pierce St. Edgewater.

A Kids Walk/Run fpor children younger than 12 begins at 8:15 a.m. and is free. The 5K Walk/Run starts off at 8:30 a.m. The entry fee is $25 for adults and $15 for teens and senior runners.

Also at 8:30 a.m., the Edgewater Volunteer Fire Department will serve a free Pancake Breakfast and the Community Resource Fair will be from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

To register for the race or to learn about the resource fair visit: www.edgerunner5k.com.