Saturday’s Brittany Shepard Pugh Memorial 5K and Shep Sprint had its largest turnout to date.
Event organizer Kristy Jones said the Troy Junior Women’s League fundraiser saw an increase in participation and sponsorship.
“We’re just excited that people continue to support this event,” she said. “It’s been a huge success all three years.”
Before the final numbers were in, the 5k had already garnered more than $13,000.
As TJWL’s largest fundraiser of the year, Jones said the money raised would stay in the community and help a number of worthy causes. The Junior League supports the American Heart Association, Child Advocacy Center, Christian Love Center, community families in need, Pike County Distinguished Young Women, Relay for Life, Salvation Army, Sav-A-Life, The Miracle League and Troy Public Library.
The 5k also covers the organization’s Brittany Shepard Pugh Memorial Scholarship. Last year, TJWL raised nearly $10,000 and was able to give two $1,500 scholarships.
“The success of our fundraiser is solely dependent on our members, sponsors and support of the citizens of Troy and surrounding areas,” said Meagan Blair, publicity chairman for the organization.
Brittany Shepard Pugh and her son, Shep, were killed in a car accident in 2011. The members of the TJWL say that Pugh epitomized their motto, “Achievement through inspiration and education” and delighted in their theme, “To do for the world more than the world does for you.”
The organization chose to remember Pugh and her giving spirit by naming the fundraiser after her and her son. Friends and family of Pugh took part in Saturday’s event.
Laura-Ashley Bynum, one of Pugh’s best friends said her best friend would have loved every part of the day.
“And that everybody out here was pretty much connected to them in one way or another,” she said.
Family friend Elizabeth Bynum agreed.
“It shows how many people Brittany touched,” she said.

Click here for a list of the BSPM5K 2014 Winners.