Gaston Community Foundation To Host 20th Annual Event

The Gaston Community Foundation will host its 20th annual community foundation run to support local nonprofits Saturday, April 9.

Erin Wiggins, the foundation's program officer, says that the event will be the first in-person run since the pandemic started and will include live music, concessions, drinks and more.

The event includes a 5K run and 2K walk starting at 9 a.m. at Main Avenue and Trenton Street in front of Trenton Mills.

Immediately following the 5K lineup, the 2K walkers will start at the same start location.

During the event, nonprofits will have informational booths set up at CaroMont Health Park where guests can enjoy concessions and drinks.

Costs to participate in the race are $20 for 5K participants and $10 for the 2K fun walk participants. Prices may increase by $5 after March 20.

Those interested in participating may pre-register online, or register at the day of the event at the home plate of CaroMont Health Park.

"This is a really unique event,” said Wiggings. “We really want the community to get to know these amazing nonprofits and for the nonprofits to know more of the community.”

The Gaston Community Foundation, which began in 1978, operates as a charity that helps provide needs for local nonprofits.

The nonprofit has raised more than $20 million for nonprofits over the last 19 years.

“The fundraiser speaks to the generosity in our community and the great work that the nonprofits are doing,” said Wiggins. “It will be even more special this year since its been two years since we could host the run in person.”

More than 120 nonprofits are involved this year including the Crisis Assistance Ministry, The Boys and Girls Club, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and friends of the Gaston County Public Library.

“We want to connect donors with community needs and enhance the lives of present and future generations,” said Wiggins. “We support nonprofits and those that want to be philanthropic.”

The charity began helping fundraise for participating nonprofits since February and will continue to fundraise until April 18.

Wiggins says that the event represents a celebration of the on-going fundraising and donations being made toward participating nonprofits.

Once the fundraiser ends, the charity awards a matching percentage to the proceeds received by nonprofits. Last year, nonprofits received a 49 percent match from proceeds.

Wiggins encourages community members to come out and support local nonprofits at the run.

Reach Janiya Winchester at 704-869-1842 or jwinchester@gannett.com