The Santa Shuffle, a 5K race/one-mile walk hosted by the nonprofit Semper Gratus, is scheduled for Saturday in West Leechburg.
Semper Gratus — Latin for “always grateful” — held its annual Shamrock Shuffle in March with covid-19 protocols in place. The organization raised roughly $15,000 to support pediatric patients.
Ian Coyle, founder and president of Semper Gratus, believes the Santa Shuffle will be an equal success. He aims to raise another $15,000 to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
If the event reaches that goal, this year’s fundraising would equal the amount raised by the nonprofit last year.
“We haven’t witnessed any type of waning sponsorship or reservations based on covid,” Coyle said. “We’re seeing just as much commitment and giving as ever.
“We’re trying to fill the space, and get at least 400 people in the door,” he said. “But a lot of that is trying to regain public confidence and certainly create a great comfortable atmosphere for everybody to come out.”
Hand sanitizer stations will be found along the course and, although not required, masks are encouraged for all participants.
Later Saturday, Semper Gratus also will host a dance fundraiser that includes an open bar, a caricature artist, a gift basket auction and a 50-50 raffle. All attendees must be at least 21. Only 500 tickets will be sold and pre-registration is required.
The first 300 participants in the race/walk will receive a complimentary gift bag. Medals will be awarded for the various age categories in the Christmas in July-themed event, and costumes are encouraged. Participants also can also compete virtually if they desire.
The event will include an opportunity to visit Santa.
This year’s event will honor Chrystal Dawn Fry. She died in May at 36 from complications of acute myeloid leukemia, a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood.
Don Gamble, Fry’s brother, said the family has participated in Semper Gratus fundraisers from the start of the organization in 2016. The family, including her husband, Michael Fry, and two daughters, will attend this year’s event in her honor.
Gamble hopes the family’s attendance can help spread awareness of leukemia.
“Although our story isn’t as positive, it helps other people look more at that ‘after’ aspect,” he said.
Coyle is hoping the event will be “a really big party and a celebration of life in memory and in honor of Chrystal.”
The Santa Shuffle will start at 9 a.m., with registration starting at 8, at West Leechburg Firemen’s Recreation Hall, 1116 Gosser St. The hall will open at 5:30 p.m. for the Santa Shuffle dance.
