Youth Group Organizes Colorful Fundraiser

When Cory Head, Youth Minister for St. Paul Catholic Church in Flowood, Mississippi, met with his youth group at the end of the 2016 school year, he asked them what they wanted to get out of the youth group. Many said they wanted to do more outreach. Specifically, a group of seniors wanted to organize a 5K Color Run.

Head and other youth leaders wanted the event to benefit an organization that supported children. As they began to toss around a few ideas, one of the volunteers at the church had a friend who worked for Palmer Home and suggested the group choose the children’s home as the beneficiary.

Youth at St. Paul helped get the permits for the event and gathered sponsors, including Citizen’s Bank who donated a couple of billboards and some radio time. They also helped put together “swag bags” for the participants, helped run the race and some even participated.

“The kids put a lot of work into it. We are extremely proud of them,” said Head.

On November 4, 2016, Cory, the youth, and a hundred runners gathered at the East Metro Parkway around Dogwood Mall for a 5K Color Run and 1 Mile Fun Run. The runners were divided into five age groups for both men and women, and sixty awards were distributed at the conclusion of the race.

Additionally, the youth group also sought out local restaurants to host give-back nights. Both Raising Cane’s and Five Guys Burgers and Fries chose a specific date to give back a portion of their sales that night to the fundraiser.

In the end, St. Paul’s youth presented Kaitlyn Vassar, Palmer Home for Children Development Director, with a check for $3,500 and asked her to share more with the group about Palmer Home’s mission of providing a safe place to call home for children in need.

“The kids were extremely happy with the results,” said Head.

While Palmer Home hosts fundraising events throughout the year, we also welcome the efforts of organizations, businesses, and churches who want to create their own fundraiser on our behalf. If your group has an idea, we’d love to hear about it! You can contact us at marketing@palmerhome.org.