425 See Spot Run Event to benefit Habitat for Humanity

MTSU Alumni Relations, Student Organizations to Present
See Spot Run Event to benefit Habitat for Humanity
One ‘lucky canine’ will land role in “Annie” May 16 at TPAC

Date: May 9, 2006


Editorial contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-2919
Alumni contact: Katy Francisco Riddle, 615-898-2923
Student Organizations contact: Jackie Victory, 615-904-8418



(MURFREESBORO) — MTSU’s offices of alumni relations, student organizations and community service are teaming up to present See Spot Run at 8 a.m. on Saturday,
May 13, in MTSU’s Walnut Grove near Peck Hall and the James Union Building.
See Spot Run, a 5K run/walk for participants and their dogs, will be the first of its kind at MTSU and organizers hope it will develop into an annual event. All proceeds, including entry fees, admissions and sponsorships, will go toward the MTSU Habitat for Humanity Building Fund.
The goal of the fund is to raise the $50,000 necessary to sponsor a Habitat for Humanity “blitz build” on campus during Homecoming. It is one in a series of campus fundraisers designed to generate money for the upcoming blitz build. The blitz build home will become a way that students can give back to the Murfreesboro community.
“See Spot Run will be another step forward in the fundraising efforts at MTSU,” said Jackie Victory, director of student organizations and community service. “Early this year, Cheer for Humanity raised nearly $15,000 for the blitz build project. What an exciting time to see students raise the money and build a home for someone in Murfreesboro.”
The 5K race will feature awards to the top age group finishers and top dogs. In addition, Tennessee Performing Arts Center staff will be on site to select one lucky canine for a walk-on role for the May 16 performance of “Annie.” The dog’s owner will also receive four complimentary tickets to the play and be invited to the cast party after the show.
“We are very excited to be working with TPAC to offer such a special prize for one our participants,” said Katy Francisco Riddle, assistant director of alumni relations. “We hope this will encourage even more people to bring their dogs to our event.”

Organizers have been working for months in preparation of the event, which features a certified 5K course through the MTSU campus that is both flat and fast. Local businesses and organizations have helped by providing financial support and volunteers.
“We’ve solicited a number of sponsors, worked to promote the event on and off campus and helped to recruit a number of participants and volunteers for the event,” said Amanda Samsel, graduate assistant for the Office of Student Organizations and Community Service. “See Spot run will be a race unlike any other for the campus and the community. We encourage everyone to come out to enjoy a great event and support an even greater cause.”
Participants can register by visiting mtalumni.com or by calling 615-898-5812. On-site registration will begin at 6:30 a.m. Saturday.

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