A 5K race is a great way for a non-profit organization to raise money and awareness. Many of the races in which I run have a fund raising effort associated with them. In April, I ran the Boot Scootin’ 5K benefitting Beyond Boundaries in Ward, Arkansas. I enjoyed this race so much that I interviewed race director, Tiffany Mattzela to learn more about Beyond Boundaries so that I could share with you.
A back sack filed with useful goodies is much better than another t-shirt!
The Boot Scootin 5K was well organized small town race that had an old school feel to it. Instead of another race t-shirt, all participants received a high quality back sack filled with goodies including candles, a bag of rice, note pads and pens to name a few. No chip timing here, instead, scoring was done using the card system. However, there was plenty of food and door prizes for participants while waiting on results. There were also a few vendors who were donating a portion of their sales to Beyond Boundaries.
Beyond Boundaries is a non-profit therapy center that utilizes horses in therapy sessions for children with disabilities. According to the it’s website, Beyond Boundaries is 1 of 5 accredited fellowship locations in the nation for pediatric physical therapy. They are associated with Allied Therapy, Arkansas Children’s Hospital and the University of Central Arkansas.
There are two types of therapy offered at the center. Therapeutic Riding is offered for children with mild disabilities or even ADD. Children that participate in Therapeutic Riding must be able to sit alone on the horse unaided and take direction from their instructor. Therapeutic Riding encourages self confidences and teaches tools for independence.
Beyond Boundaries also offers a more specialized therapy called Hippotherapy. Hippotherapy is an actual physical therapy session that uses the movement of the horse to provide the therapy. It is conducted under the supervision of a certified physical or occupational hippotherapist. The child participating in this type of therapy many times is unable to walk and may even have difficulty with speech.
A horse is the only animal whose movement is similar the gait of a human. By riding the horse, children who are learning to walk can actually feel in their legs and hips what it feels like to walk and the therapy stimulates their muscles to learn the movement. The therapy on the horse makes it easier for them to learn how to walk on their own.
After the Boot Scootin’ 5K, Beyond Boundaries conducted a demonstration of a therapy session with a client, Tim who is now in his mid twenties. Tim has Cerebral Palsy (CP) and initially participated in Hippotherapy, but now has progressed to Therapeutic Riding. What was really impressive about Tim, was his self confidence and his ability to explain to us what he was doing and how it helps him. He told us that he and the horse he rides have a close bond and that the horse senses what Tim is asking it to do.
Tim, a Beyond Boundaries client, demonstrates a Therapuetic Riding session. He has been a client since he was a child.
Speaking of the horses, not any horse can be therapy horse. Horses that are donated to Beyond Boundaries must go through a lengthy orientation and training program. Many are returned to their owners. Horses that make the cut are not frightened by loud noises or sudden jerky movements. The horses are considered therapists by the Beyond Boundaries staff and volunteers.
Insurance often pays for the therapy aspect of the riding session, but it still cost $109 per ride of which Beyond Boundaries must raise through events like the Boot Scootin’ 5k and their annual Mane Event Banquet. They are also very happy to accept independent donations which you may make here. Beyond Boundaries also has several volunteer opportunities which you can learn more bout here.
Now it’s your turn. What is your favorite 5K race that supports a great cause? Leave a comment below and promote your favorite race with our community!
