event scheduled Saturday

By BETH LAKEY

Staff Writer

Sept. 13, 2000 10 PM

It’s not too late to make a difference one step at a time.

On Saturday, Sept. 16, supporters of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pike County will lace up their running shoes for the Fall 5K Run/Walk that will benefit the organization.

This will be the second year for the event sponsored by the Family Guidance Center of Alabama and local organizations and businesses and, already, close to 70 had registered as of Wednesday afternoon.

But, organizers were hoping to have 200 people in downtown Troy on race day.

The event will begin in downtown Troy at 8 a.m. with registration opening the day of the race at 6:30 a.m. Registration on race day will end at 7:30 a.m.

Cost of registration is $15 for adults and $8 for children. On race day, the entry fee will be $20 for adults and $10 for children.

All entrants will receive a free t-shirt.

Proceeds from the event will be used right here in Pike County to maintain the quality and quantity of services provided to children. It will also serve as an opportunity to recruit Big Brother and Big Sister volunteers.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pike County is a program that matches children with adult mentors. The program serves children ages 5-17 from single-parent homes in the area. Professional staff match the children, with adults who volunteer, based on interests and needs and provide training, support and advice to help the match friendship grow.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pike County has two programs ­ a school-based program designed to help children improve academic function increase self-esteem and a community-based program in which the big and little spend four or five hours a week one-on-one.

To register for the 5K Run, stop by the Big Brothers Big Sisters office at 801 George Wallace Drive (the Trojan Center) to pick up a registration form.

For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters, call Sandra Butler or Tennie Jarrell at 670-3387.