By: Justin Kenward
“It’s just heartbreaking what goes on and they need us right now,” notes No Delay 5K event organizer Tracy Brown in a written interview. “When Covid-19 hit, it put tremendous strain on families and communities.”
“With it being extremely tough for organizations to raise money right now, (via the usual means, which often included group gatherings) victims of substance abuse, trafficking, or those experiencing homelessness, or foster children are all very impacted,” she added.
Brown is also a Software Support Engineer in the Corporate Offices of In-N-Out Burgers. in Irvine, Ca. Together with the Slave 2 Nothing Foundation, the In-N-Out Foundation is hosting the No Delay 5K virtual run/walk/bike. It is a virtual event, instead of thousands of people gathering in one location to run the distance, people donate the money. Run any place in the world you want. could be around your neighborhood, it could be around a canyon, it could be on the beach.
“They came up with a great idea to put on a 5K that anyone can register, raise funds,and jog/walk from a location of your choosing on the day of the event.”
You may get involved by visiting nodelay5k.com and either Register for the 5K virtual marathon that takes place on the 12th and 13th of September, 2020 or through donations. (Donations are due September 20.) If you choose to participate in the virtual marathon you’ll receive a NoDelay T-shirt and custom medal through the mail. In-N-Out Burger is underwriting all the costs associated with this event and administrative costs so that 100% of the proceeds go directly to the community.
And, Brown adds, “The organizations that our two foundations support are all local to where we operate and our foundations thoroughly vet them to ensure the funding they give (that comes from people like us) goes to a really great place and is not mismanaged. Everyone is busy right now and being consumed by much of what is going on right now (and rightfully so) but we simply can’t forget those born into and experiencing trauma – they need us.”
Tracy Brown isn’t just organizing the event, “Some teammates and I will be meeting up and running together. While minding our distance and following recommended guidelines. You can complete it from anywhere!” Tracy Brown encourages people to post pictures and videos of their run/walk/bike on social media using the #NoDelay5k so it feels like a team event.