Youth Challenge, in partnership with the Sherwin Williams Women’s Club, had another very successful Where Will Color Take You? 5K Race and 1-Mile Walk & Roll event at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on June 17. Over 1,300 people registered for the race, and 1,000 were in attendance. Attendees had three races to choose from: a Kids’ Dash, a 5K and a 1-Mile Walk & Roll. YC participants and volunteers joined other members of the Youth Challenge and Sherwin Williams’ community in racing through the zoo. Some of them even handcycled the 5K!  View 5K race results here. 

The Sherwin-Williams Women’s Club, led by Race Chair Stephanie Castro and Co-Chair Katie Speer, took the lead in planning the festivities. The event kicked off with a stretching session led by YC staff members Sara Steimle, Nicole Gaisford and Laurel Sweet. Attendees enjoyed music from DJ Rimon, as well as carnival games, snacks, and ice cream in the Palava Hut. YC even had an adapted art station.  Several mascots joined the party, including Moondog from the Cavs, Pozzie from the Cleveland Charge, Chomps from the Cleveland Charge, and the Chick-Fil-a cow. 

Dave Hardman, President of the Board of Trustees, had the vision to support Youth Challenge through an annual Race Day in the 1980s. Mike Rupp, a participant alum who was the original Race Day, rang the bell to kick off the Walk. 

Youth Challenge raised over $85,000 from the event, including $30,000 from the Sherwin-Williams Foundation, matching $25,000 in sponsorships, and $5,000 in individual donations. The event would not have been possible without each of our sponsors: 

• Champion Sponsor: Fleet Response  
• Color Sponsor. Oatey 
• Friend Sponsors: Kaulig Giving, Charles Schwab, Don’s Lighthouse Grille, First Federal Lakewood, the Hardman Family, Mike’s Kids 
• Corporate Sponsors: Medical Mutual, WestPoint Wealth Management