Source: The State Journal-Register / John Reynolds
Organizers of the annual Fat Ass 5K, perhaps the most unique and colorful run in downtown Springfield, distributed more than $150,000 to about 35 area charities Thursday.
The money was raised in May when more than 4,000 people participated in the annual fundraiser. Some ran it as a traditional 5K, but others walked the route and enjoyed the live bands and free treats such as ice cream, corn dogs and doughnut holes that gave the event its name.
Paul Schafer, one of the organizers, said last May that one of the main ideas behind the run was to “not take yourself too seriously.” Thursday’s check presentation at the Celtic Mist, 117 S. Seventh St., was a little more serious than the run, but organizers still had a good time.
“We are giving away $153,000 to about 35 different charities. This is as much fun as the event,” Schafer said.
Some of the larger donations went to: The MS Society/U.C. MS Research, $22,500; Alports Foundation, $12,500; Camp Coco, $12,500 and the Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery, $10,000.
Karen Cox, director of the Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery, said the donation was appreciated.