VCU news

By Briana Williams
Avail Marketing

Virginia Commonwealth University returns as the signature sponsor of the VCU Broad Street Mile. The event will allow participants to enjoy a free festival, compete in a series of 1-mile fun runs or a 5K, and raise money for local organizations. The fourth annual event will take place on Broad Street between Belvidere Street and Hermitage Road on Saturday, Sept. 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The VCU Broad Street Mile will offer an opportunity to support VCU and many other community organizations in the Richmond area. And this year’s event is part of the launch of the Make It Real Campaign for VCU, a comprehensive fundraising campaign to support students and faculty, spark creative partnerships and expand the university’s research capacity by providing world-class facilities, equipment and materials.

"With VCU’s upcoming comprehensive campaign, we are focusing on faculty, staff and alumni engagement paired with community involvement,” said Chris Ritrievi, senior associate vice president for campaign leadership and constituency relations at VCU. “VCU’s continued engagement with Richmond is pivotal to the campaign's success and the success of the Broad Street Mile."

The VCU Broad Street Mile provides a unique opportunity for people of all ages and fitness levels. Athletes ranging from novice to elite can choose to run or walk the 5K or one of the 1-mile fun runs. Each of the fun runs has different themes, including the Spirit of Giving Mile, Kids Mile, No Limits Mile and Doggy Dash. In an effort to expand the community impact, this year’s event will not require participating organizations to have a 501(c)3 designation.

“By eliminating the 501(c)3 requirement, the VCU Broad Street Mile can support organizations such as schools, youth associations, student clubs, civic groups, professional associations and more,” said Johnathan Mayo, president of Avail, the firm responsible for marketing and managing the event. “These are all groups that are doing amazing work in the community and can benefit from the exposure and fundraising opportunity.”

The fundraising process is simple and designed to support multiple causes in one grand event. Runners and walkers have an opportunity to designate which organization benefits from their entry fee during registration.

There is no fee for community partners to get involved and organizations may still register. For more information, visit www.vcubroadstreetmile.com.

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