Boys State 5K Gives Back

On Friday, the American Legion Buckeye Boys State (ALBBS) Department of Development Service Agency (DDSA) is hosting the first ALBBS 5K race to promote community involvement while raising money for the American Red Cross.

According to DDSA Director Alexander Sands, the event was created after he noticed a need for additional community activities at ALBBS. Following the failure of legislation that would have created a Department of Recreation, Sands and his department worked to develop an event that would bring delegates together while supporting a charitable cause.

The 5K will be held in partnership with the American Red Cross, which is already assisting with the ALBBS blood drive. While there is no registration fee to participate, delegates are encouraged to make voluntary donations. All money collected will be donated to the American Red Cross.

Sands said serving the community was one of the primary motivations behind organizing the event.

“I don’t think I could sit here and tell you that I am doing my best job as a state official if I wasn’t doing everything in my power to help out the community as much as I can,” Sands said.

Organizers faced a challenge in planning the race because the event was developed within a single day. The DDSA was responsible for creating the route, recruiting volunteers, securing funding, and promoting the event in a limited amount of time.

To encourage participation, the DDSA increased the prize pool for the race. First place will receive $1 million in ALBBS currency and a gold medal. Second through fifth place finishers will each receive $100,000 in ALBBS currency and a silver medal.

The DDSA hopes to attract at least 30 runners and raise more than $200 in United States currency donations. Donation boxes will also be brought throughout ALBBS communities to encourage additional contributions.

Sands said the event reflects the values and purpose of the ALBBS program.

“That’s what Buckeye Boys State is about. It’s about community involvement. It’s about becoming a greater member of society not just through government, but through helping others,” Sands stated.

As the first event of its kind in ALBBS history, the 5K is intended to bring delegates together, support the American Red Cross, and strengthen community involvement throughout the program. The event may also serve as a model for future charitable activities at the program.