|
The character of a
community can often be gauged when a tragedy
strikes one of its own. While we all wish that
Jordan and her family weren't going through what
no parent wants to think about, we can take
pride in living in a community that rises up to
support their neighbors.
Ever since 13 year
old Jordan Emerson was involved in a serious
crash at Beechridge Motor Speedway, Windham
residents have rallied to help support the
Emerson family.
Almost immediately
the emails began circulating through
distribution lists for various youth activities.
The fundraisers being planned were all different
but the one thing that came across in every one
of them was that a lot of people care for Jordan
and her family.
The Fun Run for
Jordan took place on Sunday September 16, 2007
with children from 4 - 14 years old
participating. Fifty-seven children age 4 to 14
paid a $5 entrance fee to show their support for
Jordan and her family by running in either a
one-mile or 1.5 mile race depending on their
age.
The morning
started with 10 an under runners lining up on
the track for the start of a 1 mile cross
country course. This was the first time running
a cross country course for many of these
youngsters and many were heard sharing their
favorite parts of the course with the other
participants.
The 11-14 year
olds started their 1.5 mile run on the opposite
side of the track. Many of the girls were decked
out in shirts wishing Jordan a speedy recovery
and expressing their fondness for a girl most of
them know very well.
One of the more
moving visions was a group of seven girls who
had each written one letter of Jordan's name on
their plain white t-shirts. They re-entered the
track from the race course running side by side,
with arms interlocked so her name was spelled
out as they crossed the finish line.
There was a silent
auction set up on the end of the track near the
entrance to raise more money for the Emersons.
The concession stand was also buzzing with a
variety of different foods and beverages.
COMMENTS:
|
