The Blue Owl Restaurant & Bakery is excited to present the 8th Annual 5K Kimmswick, coming up on Saturday, August 18! What began as a fundraising race a few years ago is also a fantastic community event, filled with fun for the whole family.
If you’re new to the event, I’d like to tell you about the beautiful story of my dear friend, the story behind the event. Nancy Ratliff was a friend of all of us here at The Blue Owl. Her daughter worked here when she was a teen and the family visited often. In 2008, Nancy celebrated her surprise 60th birthday here, and it was a delightful time. A few months later, we were all shocked and saddened by Nancy’s diagnosis of ALS. Within a year she was completely paralyzed, requiring a ventilator and a feeding tube. Her eyes sparkled with spirit and life within, but her family and all those who loved her were helpless against the devastation of ALS.
To assist Nancy’s family with the costs medical needs and constant care, the 5K Kimmswick was born. With the overwhelming support of the community, support was extended to the fight against ALS through the ALS Association. After seven years of bravely fighting this disease with the support of family and friends, Nancy passed away in May of 2016. In her memory and her honor, we continue to raise funds to fight against the disease that took her health, her independence, and eventually, her life.
So far this year, we’ve raised nearly $16,000 of our $30,000 goal. These funds will go to support programs and services for people with ALS. For example, professional nursing services cost around $25/hour. A short break for a constant caregiver can provide stress relief and restore a sense of normalcy and balance.
The annual 5K Kimmswick is a great day of community and friendship, and I do so hope that you’ll join us. The beautiful course will take runners through historic Kimmswick, along the Mississippi River, the Aneuser Estate, and the Windsor Harbor Bridge, the oldest known wrought iron bridge in Missouri. The top finishers in each age group will win one of our famous pies. After the race, there will be food, beer, refreshments, music, raffle, silent auction, attendance prizes, shopping, face painting and much more. Register today and keep up with all race happenings.
I do hope that you’ll join us. In the meantime, remember that Dreams Really Do Come True!
All My Love,
~Mary