Wounded Warrior 5K Raises Over $6,000

More than 300 people -- three times what was anticipated -- gathered at Joppatowne High School on Saturday to participate in the first annual Wounded Warrior 5K run/walk.

The student-run event, put together by Joppatowne High School students Alexis Watson, Stephanie Praglowski and Nicole Praglowski, raised more than $6,000. All proceeds went to the Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and helping military members who have been injured in the line of duty. The organization also raises public awareness for the needs of these service members.

Junior Alexis Watson, a co-founder and organizer for the event, told Patch that the idea for the event came from somewhere very personal -- her uncle returned home from war with post-traumatic stress disorder.

“My uncle was in the Air Force,” Watson said. “After he came back, he was different. It really put everything into perspective. I wanted to give back to the men and women of our country.”

The 5K run/walk took place at Joppatowne High School, beginning on the track, winding through the nature trail and bringing participants back to the track at the end.

Almost 50 Marine Corps recruits came in to help man water stations and direct participants through the nature course, according to a news release.

Participants in the 5K run/walk included 30 veterans who were honored in the opening ceremony and given free admission to the event, along with a free T-shirt.

“My family had the pleasure of participating in the Wounded Warrior 5K at Joppatowne High School this past Saturday,” said participant and Joppatowne High parent Lisa Foley. “It is a wonderful event that helped raise money for a cause that is near to my family’s heart. As a child of a wounded veteran, I can’t think of a better cause to give to. The students and community of Joppatowne came together and put on a seamless event. We can’t wait till next year’s event.”

The three event organizers told Patch they were shocked to have raised $6,000.

“We’re really excited about being able to donate that to the Warrior Project,” Watson said.