Second Mission 500/Security 5K Race At ISC West Raises More Than $80,000 For Needy Children
The second Security 5K/Mission 500 Charity Run in Las Vegas on the second day of ISC West raised more than $80,000 to benefit Mission 500, a charitable organization engaging security professionals to sponsor children in need through the World Vision organization.
Proceeds from the April 7 event will sponsor 240 children for a full year -- providing food, water, education, healthcare and most importantly, hope. Event proceeds increased the number of sponsored children to more than 360 total. The first-ever Security 5K event also kindled many colorful stories and highlighted the great sense of community and generosity of the security industry.
As in the case of the 2010 event, the organizers were overwhelmed by support from across all facets of the security industry. More than 470 runners registered for the event, and about 370 ran. Registrants included 116 female runners, and participants hailed from 13 countries and 37 states. The youngest runner was 13 and the oldest was 65. More than 30 percent of the runners were over 50 as well. First place overall female runner was Theresa Campbell of Reed Exhibitions (21:59), and first place overall male runner was John Donegan of L3 Communications (19:13).
Many runners had positive things to report on the race:
It was a great event, well done and well organized; I will look forward to running next year. Hayden Burr -- Integrated Control Technology
Another incredible race! Great work organizing the event, and most importantly a significant thank you, for bringing together a group of people in the security industry to make a difference in this world, while enjoying team camaraderie and an active lifestyle. Elizabeth Cohen -- Anixter
Thanks so much, I had a fantastic time. Again great run and for a great cause! Kevin Kaiser -- IS&T Consulting
This was a great event. Organized, and well put together. Had lots of fun. I'm looking forward to next year. Andy Grewal -- Anacon Solutions
I really enjoyed the run yesterday morning and will make sure some of my colleagues join in next time! Russ Singleton -- Coretrol Limited
Freeman, contractor of services to ISC West and its exhibitors, waived staff costs and fees for using audio-visual equipment during the 5K race and the awards ceremony, and Starbucks generously donated coffee to complement the post-race refreshments and food.
At the Reception and Awards Ceremony for Security 5K runners, Mission 500 awarded its second “Mission 500 Humanitarian Award” to Barbara Holliday, Director of Dealer Services at Monitronics Security. The award honors individuals in the security industry who make important contributions to those in need. Pelco by Schneider Electric was the first recipient of Mission 500’s Corporate Social Responsibility Award as well.
More than 100 of the runners also set up fundraising web pages and added more donations to help the cause: Caleb Simonyi-Gindele was top fundraiser with $1,230, followed by Mark Pickett with $1,087 and Shane Geringer with $766.