Beck’s Hybrids recently held its annual Beck’s 5K, bringing together employees, families, and community members to honor the lives of children lost at any stage of life.
Earlier this year, employees who have experienced the loss of a child were invited to nominate a charitable organization dedicated to a cause that honors the memory of their child and would create a meaningful impact in their name. In 2025, proceeds from the event were donated to five nonprofit organizations that honor the profound lives that were lost.
This year’s event raised a record of more than $52,000 thanks to generous participant registrations, sponsorships, and donations. All proceeds will be equally distributed among the five selected charities, helping them continue their missions of compassion, healing, and support. The success of the fundraiser speaks to the deep sense of community and shared purpose felt by all those in attendance.
“We believe that even in the face of immense sadness, we can find ways to honor the lives that touched us so deeply,” said Bethany Gremel, director of culture and brand experience at Beck’s. “This event allows us to remember those lives while making a meaningful impact on others.”
During the event’s check presentation, several employees shared heartfelt remarks about their chosen organizations and the children in whose names they were honored.
The 5K beneficiaries for 2025 include:
Indiana Donor Network Foundation
The foundation supports transplant recipients and the families of organ and tissue donors through multiple programs, including financial assistance, bereavement care, and scholarships.
“Losing my son was devastating, but choosing organ donation gave us something positive to hold on to,” Beck’s employee Charles Wysong said. “The Indiana Donor Network guided us with care, and knowing a part of him lives on brings light to our darkest moments.”
Human Resources Center of Edgar and Clark Counties (Illinois)
HRC offers walk-in, telehealth, and crisis response services to individuals regardless of their insurance status, promoting and conserving the mental health of residents in Edgar and Clark counties in Illinois.
“The Edgar County HRC supported Charley and our entire Paris team in a time of deep grief after the loss of his son Ashton,” Beck’s employee Cody Ogle said. “It was an honor to give back through the Beck’s 5K and show our gratitude for their compassion and care.”
Bravely Women’s Health
This pro-life women’s health center offers free or low-cost reproductive care, pregnancy support, and motherhood resources, empowering women to make life-affirming decisions with medical and emotional support.
“Bravely empowers women as they journey into motherhood,” Beck’s employee Kelsey Glenn said. “They provide resources and support for women and their babies – real care, real support.”
Little Angel Gowns
The organization repurposes donated wedding dresses into burial attire for infants, offering comfort and dignity to families experiencing the loss of a child.
“Little Angel Gowns was nominated in memory of my stillborn daughter, Haley,” Beck’s employee Kindsey Niehues said. “Having a beautiful, quality garment that fit Haley allowed us to bury her with the respect and dignity all life deserves. We are grateful for Little Angel Gowns making a traumatic situation a little more bearable for us and other families like ours.”
Best Buddies International
Best Buddies is the largest nonprofit dedicated to ending the isolation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing friendship, employment, and leadership opportunities.
“Best Buddies helps individuals like my Lucy, who see the world differently, adapt and thrive,” Beck’s employee Tom Koch said. “At the same time, it helps those with more traditional perspectives learn to see the world in new, more compassionate ways.”
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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. In the overall male category, Zach Engle, 37, Noblesville, was the overall winner with a time of 16:55. Behind him was Taylor Marshall, 34, Indianapolis, with a time of 17:21, and Jaxsen Muncie, 17, Kempton, with a final time of 17:37. In the overall female category, Sydney Gautier, 31, Noblesville, was the overall winner with a time of 20:12. Behind her was Gabby Behr, 30, Carmel, with a time of 20:38, and Elizabeth Dickover, 34, Noblesville, with a final time of 22:28.
Over the last six years, Beck’s 5K Run/Walk has generated over $245,000 in proceeds that have directly benefited 11 different charities. Beck’s thanks the generous sponsors behind this year’s event:
- Platinum Sponsors: 2nd Shift Garage Doors, IceMiller, Martin One Source, Keen Project Solutions, MJ Insurance, Dodd Technologies, Wilson Trailer, Graybar Electric, Cooper Lighting Solutions, Buresh Building Systems, Inc., Bender Homes, Dusty’s Outdoor Media, LongHorn Apparel and Graphics
- Gold Sponsors: Syngenta – Greenleaf Genetics, Brad Howell Ford, Cook Plumbing, Dan Young, Illinois Foundation Seeds, Inc. (IFSI), Peterson Corn Genetics, Symetra, Bayer – Corn States, and Nationwide
- Silver Sponsors: AgriNews (SHAW Media), Hearn Construction, Reynolds Farm Equipment, Specified Lighting, Farm Journal, Rabo AgriFinance, Trailhead Media, AVC Auto, First Mid Bank & Trust, Omni Electric, QBE, R&K Outdoor Advertising, Shepherd Financial, Nyhart, Gaither Management Group, Inc., Prime 46, Bank of America, Shoup’s Country Foods, and Corteva Agriscience
- Bronze Sponsors: Anthem, Athletico, Big Dogs BBQ, DDI Media (Drury Displays), Lind Media, True Scripts, Cintas, On Site Services, Best One of Tipton, RFD-TV, and Crossfit Tipton
- Additional Sponsors: Site One Landscape Supply, DJ Strick, Needler’s (Tipton), All American Outdoor Advertising, Gaskill Signs, NAPA, McGavic Outdoor Power, Fidelity Investments, and Photos by Jacqui
Photos provided by Beck’s Hybrids