5K Raises $5 Grand for a Great Cause
Sponsored by mold manufacturer Westminster Tool and local businesses in Plainfield, Connecticut, the first annual iWarriors 5K Freedom Run will make a lasting difference in the lives of wounded U.S. soldiers.
The first place male and female runners from the first annual iWarriors Freedom Run (photo courtesy of Westminster Tool).
On Sunday, July 26, 85 runners turned out in Plainfield, Connecticut for the first annual iWarriors 5K Freedom Run, sponsored by mold manufacturer Westminster Tool Inc. and the Plainfield Business Association. Westminster Tool teamed up with local businesses in raising more than $5,000 in race registrations and donations for iWarriors, a charitable organization donating iPad gift packages to wounded soldiers of all U.S Military branches.
Since its start in 2010, iWarriors has raised over $150,000 donating more than 250 iPad packages to American soldiers. The collected total of pledges, registrations and donations at last week’s race will contribute to the iPad gift packages consisting of an Apple iPad, iPad case, ear buds and a $50 iTunes gift card. iWarriors was founded in 2011 by Tim Bartz, president of Minneapolis-area mold manufacturer Mold Craft, and his wife, Kim.
“It was really amazing seeing people join us in an opportunity to give back to those who serve our country,” says Raymond Coombs Jr., race sponsor and president of Westminster Tool. “With the help from local businesses and local media, it inspires us to come back next year and make the event bigger, making a larger impact on the lives of people who do so much for us.”
The iWarriors Freedom Run was made possible by the following sponsors: Big Y, Better Valu, Road ID, Gentlemen Farmer Diner, Green Onion Pizza, Flex Fitness, CorePlus Federal Credit Union, Hanks Dairy Bar, Amtec Corporation, BGR Radiator, Agway, Walter D. Fonfara Dentistry, Harts Greenhouse & Florist, Gus’s Pub, and Kid & Kaboodle Childcare Inc.
For more pictures or information about this year’s race, visit Westminster’s Facebook page. And, although the race is over, sponsors are still accepting donations.
Finally, keep an eye out for news about more efforts associated with iWarriors. Indeed, it’s fitting that this particular event was a 5k race, because it was conceived in part through a friendly, “East Coast/West Coast” competition between Westminster and another shop to see who can raise the most for the organization. For now, chalk one up for the East!
