Vision 2040 has had the opportunity to help fund some incredible projects around the Willmar Lakes Area. The 2019 Fun Run Series, created by the Miles4Mentors organization, shines as an example of these impactful projects. Miles4Mentors has successfully sponsored or held free, family friendly events that encourage children of all backgrounds to enjoy healthy outdoor activities with members of the community.
Project Goal
“Our intent was to reach the Somali, Latina and Karen, as well as the Caucasian children and their families in the Willmar and local area. Building community by being inclusive and supporting our young children and their families with fun events they can all participate in,” wrote Paul Cool, President of Miles4Mentors.
The Health & Wellness focus area is one of four focus areas of the Willmar Lakes Area Vision 2040 group. Willmar Lakes Area Vision 2040 is about the future. Our purpose is to focus the energy of our community today, for a better tomorrow. It is a movement created out of the need to better our communities and support the dreamers and doers of Kandiyohi County.
Event Success
In 2019, the Fun Run Series included four events: Willmar Fest Run Little Foot, Run with the Stingers, Rockin Robbins Run and Kids’ Day at the Kandiyohi County Fair. The Vision 2040 grant helped offset the costs of t-shirts for the runners and volunteers, 50 pairs of running shoes for the Stingers event, medals, administration fees for the registration setup, advertising materials (posters and fliers), finishers arch, feather flags for finish chute and cones for marking the course.
With over 200 child participants at each event, Miles4Mentors is looking ahead to another successful Fun Run Series in 2020. Check out this video to see the lasting impact the Vision 2040 grant and additional donations had for 2019 events and will have in the years to come.