By HANNAH FUSSNER
Beck’s Hybrids
Beck’s, the largest family-owned retail seed company in the United States, hosted its fifth annual 5K on June 8 at their headquarters in Atlanta, Ind. Beck’s 5K promotes health and wellness among Beck’s employees and their families, customers, seed dealers, and the community.
“Through the continued growth, the success of Beck’s 5K has allowed us to expand our reach and increase our impact,” said Laura McKee, benefits specialist and chairman of the Beck’s 5K committee. “We are happy to support two organizations focused on a similar mission of helping children and building families.”
Through a combination of in-person and virtual participants, 442 people registered for the race. Through registrations, sponsorships, and generous donations, Beck’s 5K generated $52,629.83 in proceeds to benefit We Care for Orphans and Safe Haven Baby Boxes.
Selected as one of the 2024 charities, We Care for Orphans was started in 2011 to assist families with the large financial requirements that the adoption process entails.
“We Care for Orphans is extremely grateful to the Beck’s family of employees not only for their hard work in putting this event together, but for allowing our organization to be part of it,” said Jordyn Beck, chairman of We Care for Orphans. “Seeing the community rally for a specific mission and unite for this cause was truly remarkable. Through the contributions raised from Beck’s 5K, we will be able to support at least five future families this year in their adoption process.”
The mission of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, the second selected 2024 charity, is to prevent the illegal abandonment of newborns by raising awareness, offering a 24-hour hotline for mothers in crisis, and offering the Safe Haven Baby Boxes as a last resort option for women who want to maintain complete anonymity.
“We are so grateful for the organizers and participants prioritizing our mission to end infant abandonment,” said Monica Kelsey, founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes. Each year the number of women in crisis we serve increases, along with surrenders. Our generous supporters make it possible to continue to meet the level of demand we experience and expand our outreach.”
The event was open to all ages. In addition to the 5K run/walk, children ages 3 to 11 had the chance to participate in a Kids Fun Run. James Goddard, 37, Fishers, was the overall winner with a time of 17:45. Behind him was Noah Walker, 16, Tipton, with a time of 18:07, and Isaac Lust, 16, Marion, Ohio, with a final time of 18:44.
Click here to see a full list of finishers.
Photo courtesy Via Creations Photography
Over the last five years, Beck’s 5K Run/Walk has generated more than $196,000 in proceeds that have directly benefited six different charities.
Beck’s thanks these generous sponsors who made this year’s event a success:
Platinum Sponsors: 2nd Shift Garage Doors, IceMiller, Ryan FireProtection, Inc., and Martin One Source
Gold Sponsors: Syngenta – Greenleaf Genetics, Brad Howell Ford, Buresh Building Systems, Cook Plumbing, Dan Young, Hamilton Heights Education Foundation, Heartland Logistics, Illinois Foundation Seeds, Inc. (IFSI), Cooper Lighting Solutions, Graybar Electric, MJ Insurance, Peterson Corn Genetics, Signature Graphics, Symetra, Bayer – Corn States, Bender Homes, Corteva Agriscience, Dusty’s Outdoor Media, and Nationwide
Silver Sponsors: AgriNews (SHAW Media), Hearn Construction, Reynolds Farm Equipment, Specified Lighting, Tynan, Farm Journal, Rabo AgriFinance, Trailhead Media, AVC Auto, Behlen Building Systems, First Mid Bank & Trust, Lee Agri Media, McGavic Outdoor Power, NISCO LLC, Northside Garage Doors, Omni Electric, QBE, R&K Outdoor Advertising, Shepherd Financial, Clifton Larson Allen LLP (CLA), and Nyhart
Bronze Sponsors: Anthem, Athletico, Big Dog’s BBQ, Central Indiana Hardware (CIH) Inc, DDI Media (Drury Displays), Eckart Supply (formerly Chapman Electric), Lind Media, Narrow Gate Horse Ranch, Wilson Trailer, Rhett Hawkins (Kahntact), True Scripts
Additional Sponsors: Site One Landscape Supply, Bobby Hart, Arcadia Ball Park, Veterans Memorial Park, Charlie Callari, DJ Strick, Dodd Technology, Shoup’s Country Foods, Needler’s (Tipton), Dodd Technologies, All American Outdoor Advertising, Gaskill Signs, Via Creations Photography
Hannah Fussner serves as the Media and Industry Relations Coordinator for Beck’s Hybrids in Atlanta, Ind.
Photos courtesy Via Creations Photography