It was a beautiful day for the Angels? Place Race on Saturday, May 18. The event kicked off around 9 a.m. from St. Daniel Catholic Community Church, and featured a 10K Run, 5K Run/Walk and a 1 Mile Fun Walk.
Angels Place is a non-profit organization providing people-centered services, including homes and professional support for persons with disabilities, according to www.angelsplacerace.org.
Angels Place Race, which began in 1992, must raise $1 million annually through donations from individuals, businesses, foundations and grants. Angel’s Place has 20 homes in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Each home houses 4-6 individuals with disabilities.
‘We would eventually like to build an Angel Place in Clarkston,? said Race Director Paul Maxwell.
Maxwell supports the cause with his wife, Maggie, because his sister is developmentally disabled and lives in an Angel’s Place home. Maxwell said his mother, Margaret Maxwell, is one of five founder’s of Angel’s Place. ‘That is also why I do it,? said Maxwell.
Candice Hukka said she participates in Angels? Place Race because the cause inspires her. Hukka and her coworker Heather Collins participated in the 5K event together. ‘We sat next to each other at work and got pumped up all week,? she said.
Audrey Smith said she participates because her brother Jason lives in an Angel Place home.
‘Our whole family came down to support the cause,? said Smith.
Several businesses in the community sponsored the event, made contributions and donated gift certificates to participants.
Tia Laderoute said the event just gets bigger each year. ‘I come to support my daughter Whittney Laderoute who has participated in the event for the past three years,? she said.
Maxwell thanked local businesses and government agencies for sponsoring the event. ‘I am grateful for people and businesses in the community that makes the make the Angels Place Race such a success,? said Maxwell. ‘St. Daniel’s also did a great job hosting the race. It was perfect weather for running,? he said.
Maxwell said this year’s event raised more than $23,000, which exceeded last year’s goal.
Race winners include Mary Williams of Clarkston and Davis Nixon of Davisburg, 5K overall; and Chris Crosby of Grand Blanc and Tammy Nowlik of Clarkston, 10K Overall.