BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – The season for giving is here again, and for the first time ever, so is the opportunity to raise money for the Raleigh County Humane Society during an indoor 5K marathon at LA East Fitness Center in Beckley.
“My wife and I and Zaferatos Real Estate wanted to find a way to give back to the community, so we thought of a way to,” says David Chinn. “Since LA East is involved we thought we could have a 5K, a rowing competition, and a bench-pressing competition, and donate 100-percent of the money to the Raleigh County Humane Society.”
David and Cyndie Chinn are real estate agents. They’re teaming up with Zaferatos Real Estate to host the event, which is a unique competition. Everyone who participates will sponsor a different animal at the humane society. The Chinn’s hope the fitness fanatics who use their gym will get involved.
“So far we have over 50 people registered and a lot of people will register tomorrow, and it looks like we’re on pace to raise over $5,000 to the Humane Society,” he says.
While Chinn has been the host of many fundraisers in the past, he’s never hosted one quite like this. His inspiration comes from social media– and reading posts about the need for food and supplies at the humane society.
“With everything that’s going on in America, you know, there’s funds for this and funds for that, but no one’s really throwing a lot of money towards our pets, and this is hopefully to help the humane society, that didn’t get a lot of governmental assistance, get the supplies they need to help the animals,” David says.
If this first-ever indoor 5K is a hit, David plans to host many more just like it.
The fundraiser will be held from 9 a.m to 5 p.m Saturday, Nov. 13 at LA East Fitness Center. If you haven’t yet registered, you can do so tomorrow upon entry.
