On Saturday April 27, 2019, at 8:30 AM rain or shine, Orange Duffel Bag Initiative (ODBI), a 501c3 public charity, will hold its 3rd Annual 5K – The Orange Duffel Bag Dash – at Garrard Landing Park, 8000 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Roswell GA 30075. The 5K features a unique trail course that weaves along the Chattahoochee River with views of the Covered Bridge. The event offers fun for the whole family with kids karnival activities, on-site playground, giveaways, awards for age-group winners, DJ and the Little Orange Loop fun run for children 7 and under! “On behalf of students in need, “says Dwayne Kasper, ODBI Vice Chair and 5K Committee Chair, “ODBI is excited to build on our past fundraising success and engage more runners and community participation in our 3rd annual 5K. The major fundraiser will help provide education-focused programming, student meals and program materials during each session, and laptops for program grads, bridging the digital divide faced by students who are homeless or in foster care.”
Runner Registration: https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/Roswell/OrangeDuffelBagDash5K2019
On the site, runners can easily create a personal fundraising page and are encouraged to share support on social media platforms. Pre-event packet pick up will be held April 26, 3-7PM at Big Peach Running Company, 1062 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite C, Marietta, GA 30068, 770-579-0444. Event sponsorships are available: $2500 Gold Level; $1500 Silver Level; and $500 Bronze Level. Email DBlack@theODBI.org
Since 2010, Orange Duffel Bag has graduated from its programs 1000+ foster and homeless high school students and at-risk college students. In 2016, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents in partnership with ODBI to deliver its programs to 1000 students experiencing homelessness or foster care, was awarded GA’s first 7-year GEAR UP Matching Grant from the US Department of Education. The grant covers 50% of student registration cost. ODBI trauma-informed programs (always at no cost to participants themselves) guide students to create comprehensive education/life plans, a result of transformational change experienced during the course.
“GEAR UP Georgia partnerships like ODBI are inspiring examples of taking a stand for excellence and equity in education and investing in student success,” says Dawn Cooper, Asst. Vice Chancellor of College Access, GEAR UP Georgia Project Director
ODBI provides students, who are homeless or in foster care, proven coaching programs and ongoing advocacy. Learn more about ODBI or the Orange Duffel Bag Dash 5K at http://www.theodbi.org or contact Diana Black, ODBI VP at DBlack@theodbi.org.
