On July 15, the Alpha Xi chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity will host its fifth annual 5K Run/Walk. The event will be located at the Griggs Center and is set to begin at 8 a.m. The cost to join the walk is $25 per entry. Along with doing a run/walk, the event will feature a free health fair with local physicians and mental health specialists. Chairman of the health fair, Fred Bridges, said the event is one of many mandated programs the organization does every year to reach out to the community.
“This is our first time working with different groups surrounding healthcare. During the event, attendees will be able to get access to professionals in vision, mental health, dental and more,” Bridges said. “We tried to provide different assets to people in the community and extend a hand to those in need.” Bridges said the event doubles as a scholarship for local students. “In our years of doing the run, we’ve raised money for scholarships to give to students. Last year, we were able to raise enough to give out five $500 scholarships,” Bridges said. “This year we hope to be able to do it again and really help someone buy what they need for school.”
He said the organization found it important to do something around health because not everyone has access to healthcare. “Not everyone is able to the doctor. In doing this, we want to help people have access to those things and get things in place where they get the help they need,” Bridges said “Omega Psi Phi Fraternity incorporated stands for the community. One of our objectives is to be a pillar in the community, and we want people to see that in us as a group of men with high standards. We love our community and love to give our support where it’s needed.”
