Beck’s, the largest family-owned retail seed company in the United States, held its fourth annual 5K on June 10 at the company’s headquarters located at 6767 E. 276th St., Atlanta.
Beck’s 5K promotes health and wellness among Beck’s employees and their families, customers, seed dealers, and the community.
“It was a beautiful morning to bring together employees, friends, and the community to support such an important mission,” said Bethany Gremel, director of culture and brand experience at Beck’s. “We are happy to support an organization focused on stewardship and service to others.”
Through a combination of in-person and virtual participants, a total of 422 people registered for the race. Through registrations, sponsorships, and generous donations, Beck’s 5K generated $55,654.97 in proceeds to benefit K9s For Warriors. Warrior Ambassadors Selena Hosier, a U.S. Navy veteran, and her service dog Zeebee accepted the check on behalf of the organization.
Beck’s 5K was a fur-friendly event. (Photo provided)
Selected as the 2023 charity by Beck’s family of employees, K9s For Warriors provides highly-trained service dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma. With the majority of dogs coming from high-kill rescue shelters, this innovative program allows the K9/Warrior team to build an unwavering bond that facilitates their collective healing and recovery.
“We are grateful to the team at Beck’s for hosting its 2023 5K bringing employees and the community together in support of K9s For Warriors’ mission to end veteran suicide,” said K9s For Warriors Community Relations Manager Steph Vogt. “Without the support of companies and fundraising events like Beck’s 2023 5K, we could not save veteran and dog lives. Beck’s has been an incredible host and through the race has raised funds to sponsor two Service Dogs in training which is amazing! Four lives will be saved. Every Warrior/K9 pairing is a win/win.”
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. Zach Engle, 35, Noblesville, was the overall winner with a time of 16:37. Behind him was Ryan Murdoch, 35, Westfield, with a time of 17:22, and Taylor Marshall, 32, Indianapolis, with a final time of 17:27. For a full list of finishers, visit runsignup.com/Race/IN/Atlanta/Becks5K.
Over the last four years, Beck’s 5K Run/Walk has generated over $140,000 in proceeds that have directly benefited four different charities.
Beck’s thanks the generous sponsors who made this year’s event a success:
Gold Sponsors
AVC Auto, Keen Project Solutions, IceMiller, Cook Plumbing, MJ Insurance, Symetra, Reynolds Farm Equipment, Ryan FireProtection, Inc., Roberts Glass & Service, Hearn Construction, Inc., Corteva, Brad Howell Ford, AgriNews, Dusty’s Outdoor Media, Trailhead Media, Bayer, Peterson Corn Genetics, Syngenta, Dan Young, Behlen Building Systems, Nationwide, Best One of Tipton, Kahntact Agency, Farm Journal, GraybaR, Cooper Lighting Solutions, Specified Lighting Solutions, Farm Credit Mid-America, Fischers Food Grade – Seeds – Farms, Signature Graphics, Maximum Power Sports, Tynan Equipment Company, Rabo AgriFinance, Shiel Sexton, Heartland Logistics Group, Buresh Building Systems, Inc., and Bender Homes
Silver Sponsors
ADP, Shepherd Financial, Financial Center, Nyhart, QBE Insurance, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP), Illinois Foundation Seeds, Inc., Anthem, Big Dogs Smokehouse BBQ, McGavic Outdoor Power, USI, Omni Electric, Gaither Management Group, Lunar Companies, MAC Sheet Metal Company, LLC, Payer Matrix, Pinnacle Partners, Accurate Laser Systems, Northern Indiana Supply Company, Lake City Bank, First Mid Bank & Trust, and Northside Garage Door Systems
Bronze Sponsors
Cintas, Athletico, Napa Premier Parts – Tipton, HRPro, Lind Media, Farm Progress, DDI Media, Independent Senior Insurance, Inc, Eckart Supply, Bane-Welker Equipment, R&K Outdoor Advertising, Abney Welding, and Fussner Farms
Additional Sponsors
DJ Strick, Dodd Technology, Shoup’s Country Foods, Murray’s Body Shop, Needler’s (Tipton), The Wyman Group, Dodd Technologies, Onsite Services, All American Outdoor Advertising, Gaskill Signs, Knowledge Services, Apparel and Graphics, Site One Landscape Supply, 40th Parallel Surveying, Expressions Design Co, The Overgrown Pasture Food Truck
For more information about K9s For Warriors and their service, visit k9sforwarriors.org.